The State Government has been caught lying to the people of Caloundra after it was revealed plans for a youth jail in the heart of the Sunshine Coast community were purposely hidden from voters.
It’s been exposed, Labor started planning for a youth jail in the tourist town 12 months ago but hid the plans from the community during the election campaign.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli says the government has failed to be honest and accountable to the people of Caloundra.
“I’m deeply concerned by this bad culture seeping into a third-term government,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“When government’s don’t consult the community, it’s the people who lose and in this case the people of Caloundra are paying a price.
“The Caloundra community should have been consulted when these jail plans were first formed last year.
“The State Government should immediately pause the plans and explain to the community why they weren’t told before the election.”
The full extent of the plan came to light after Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie questioned the Police Minister in Estimates.
“The people of Caloundra have been lied to, it’s as simple as that,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Queenslanders expect honesty and accountability from their government, but all the people of Caloundra are getting is spin, lies and a jail.
“Now that the cat is out of the bag, the people of Caloundra are making it very clear they do not want a children’s prison in their backyard.
“The Police Minister’s complete disregard for the people of Caloundra comparing their homes to industrial yards and truck stops is nothing short of offensive.
“The people of Caloundra do not want this jail which will only bring more young criminals to our tourist town.”
Member for Ninderry and former police officer Dan Purdie has criticised the State Government for now trying to save face by making cheap, unfunded announcements.
“The new Labor Member for Caloundra has a lot of explaining to do,” Mr Purdie said.
“These empty unfunded, unbudgeted, unplanned, desperate announcements for police and a station in the never-never is a cheap trick to try and save Labor’s under pressure local MP.
“A youth remand centre will see more repeat, possibly violent, juvenile offenders being released onto the streets of Caloundra.”
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