Labor votes against tough measures to tackle youth crime

Wednesday, 15 July 2020

The Palaszczuk Labor Government has proven once again it’s soft on crime by failing to back the LNP’s tough measures to tackle juvenile crime in Queensland.

Shadow Minister for Police Dan Purdie moved a motion in Parliament today calling on Labor to immediately implement the LNP’s youth crime plan, but every single Labor MP opposed it.

“Labor hasn’t got the guts to tackle the youth crime crisis in Queensland,” Mr Purdie said.

“Crime is causing havoc in communities like Townsville and Cairns, but Labor MPs have failed to stand up for safety in their own communities.

“Tonight in Parliament Labor opposed introducing tougher laws and increased penalties to hold offenders to account.

“Labor opposed scrapping the failed youth bail houses that will cost taxpayers $70 million and have an 84% re-offending rate.  

“The LNP is advocating for more early intervention through a justice reinvestment program to prevent youth crime, but Labor opposed that as well.

“Our plan to rehabilitate repeat offenders to break the cycle of offending was opposed.

“Labor also supported keeping their half-baked catch and release laws that let juvenile offenders get away with crime time and time again.

“It’s clear that the only way to solve the youth crime crisis in Queensland is to change the government and vote for the LNP at the next state election.

“Only the LNP will make a make a stand against youth crime.”

LNP Motion:

1. This House notes the LNP’s policy to tackle juvenile crime in Queensland:
   1. Introduce tougher laws and increased penalties to hold offenders accountable;
   2. Require 24/7 monitoring of offenders on bail by Youth Justice, taking the pressure off police;
   3. Three strikes policy for repeat offenders;
   4. Establish a Community Payback Farm program with rehabilitation to break the cycle of re-offending;
   5. Scrap Labor’s failed Youth Bail Houses; and
   6. Introduce a justice reinvestment program for early intervention to reduce offending; and
2. Calls on the Palaszczuk Government to immediately implement the LNP’s policy to tackle juvenile crime in Queensland.