THE Queensland Government may tighten security at the Gabba for next month's First Ashes Test in Brisbane. It follows concerns over British media reports that last year's London suicide bombers had discussed the possibility of an attack on the Australian and England teams during their Ashes series. Cricket Australia says neither it nor the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had any knowledge of the claims. But Queensland Police Minister Judy Spence today announced security would be boosted for the Gold Coast Indy race later this month and the State Government would consider similar powers to cover the Ashes, which starts on November 23, if police requested them. "I haven't had the discussion with the police service about that yet," Ms Spence said today. "I know the police have been doing a lot of discussions with the event management people at the Gabba about the requirements concerning the Ashes but if they put that request to us we will certainly consider it."
Under the state's special event legislation, police have the power to conduct random spot checks of cars, people and belongings in response to information about specific threats. Police also have the power to prevent people from taking items that may cause injury into a venue. The powers have previously been used during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Brisbane.