The State Government’s attempts to tackle the Youth Crime Crisis fails Queensland dismally.
One year after Labor passed its ‘flagship’ policy to crack down on thugs, crime in south-east Queensland has significantly worsened.
New analysis reveals the number of crimes committed across the south-east have soared a year after the State Government’s so-called youth justice laws were passed in Parliament.
Just three juvenile offenders have been fitted with an electronic monitoring device since the government promised courts would target hardcore youth offenders.
Shockingly, the government has admitted the failure to issue additional devices was due to an offender’s “unwillingness to comply” with the court order.
It comes as official figures show over the past month alone, almost 50 break and enters occurred, while more than 20 cars were stolen in the south-east every day.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said the figures were disturbing and proved the State Government was losing control of crime.
“These thugs are running rampant and destroying lives and businesses every day while the State Government sits on its hands,” he said.
“Labor has failed to get youth crime under control, failed to protect our community and failed to do the right thing by our children.
“The State Government get’s an ‘F’ for its failed plan.
“Our state is being hijacked by young thugs who are laughing at Labor’s soft laws.
“It’s frightening.
“Queenslanders deserve so much better than this.”
The Member for Toowoomba North Trever Watts has been calling for systemic change to the judicial system and proper resourcing of the police force.
” The Palaszczuk Government can’t keep putting its head in the sand, we must see the implementation of meaningful early intervention.
“Wrap around services to support offenders when they are released from custody, to decrease recidivism and the funding provided to Toowoomba Region’s Police Services be reviewed, to ensure there is an adequate number of Police officers and resources to handle the increase in crime.
“We will continue to advocate for breach of bail restored as an offence. Bail is a privilege, not a right, and that any breach of an offender’s bail conditions is an illustration of a lack of respect for their community.
“Recidivist Offenders are more effectively dealt with by the justice system, to ensure the community is not repeatedly victimised. Ensuring the courts are appropriately resourced, to guarantee sentencing is effective, timely and reeducation processes are available.”
Shadow Police Minister Dale Last said the LNP had repeatedly called on the State Government to introduce breach of bail as an offence for young offenders.
“If breach of bail was an offence and a young offender broke any one of their bail conditions, the system would be able to intervene early,” he said.
“The State Government must strengthen our laws to get these young offenders off the streets.
“If the government doesn’t act now, it’s only going to get worse.”
“Queensland’s crime crisis is real.
“It cannot be ignored.
“It’s time for the Premier and the Government she leads to start listening to Queenslanders and find solutions now.”
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