I bumped into Kevin Rudd this morning.

While his staff loaded his car and I waited for my taxi in the driveway of Jupiters Hotel in Townsville, we had a brief chat.

He asked me about my business and when I mentioned being based in Maroochydore, he seemed very proud of being from Nambour.

He inquired about the purpose of my trip and when I told him it was for a big drug case, we began to discuss the Coast’s recent focus on increasing crime and the fact that Townsville seems to have the same problem.

I would have liked more time to get his thoughts on how we can address our safety concerns, but maybe another time.

I have to say that Mr Rudd was polished and impressive.

A long campaign must be draining. I wished him all the best.

Having read two editions of the Townsville paper, it appears we are not alone.

I think we need more police and we need to pay our current police more. It seems the demands being placed on them are ever-increasing.

I think the current measures are good. Time will tell whether they are enough.