LNP Leader Deb Frecklington today announced a comprehensive plan to crack down on youth crime and protect the public.
Ms Frecklington said she was determined to make Queensland communities more safe and secure for families if her party wins the next election.
An LNP Government will implement tougher laws, monitor youth offenders on bail 24/7, introduce mandatory detention for third convictions, establish a Community Payback Farm program, scrap youth bail houses, and increase early intervention with a justice reinvestment trial.
Since 2015 when Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier, robbery has skyrocketed 94 per cent in Queensland, unlawful use of a motor vehicle has jumped 77 per cent, assault has increased 35 per cent and shop stealing has increased 70 per cent.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their home and out on the streets,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The youth crime crisis began the day Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier.
“The LNP will overhaul the failing youth justice system that has brought so much crime and misery to communities like Townsville, Cairns and the Gold Coast.
“Young thugs committing violent crime, car theft and drug use won’t be the norm under the LNP – it will be stamped out.
“The only way to solve the youth crime crisis is to change the government.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is soft on crime and the scales of justice have been tipped in favour of keeping juvenile criminals on the streets.
“The LNP will make sweeping changes to prevent youth crime, crack down on perpetrators, and rehabilitate offenders to contribute to the community.
“Businesses shouldn’t have to count the cost of theft, families shouldn’t have to replace stolen property, and police shouldn’t be stretched to breaking point.
“Now more than ever, Queensland need an LNP Government to crack down on crime, create secure jobs and build a stronger economy.
“A stronger economy means safer communities.”
Shadow Minister for Police Dan Purdie said an LNP Government would back up the hardworking police with tough laws to crack down on repeat offenders.
“Labor’s ‘catch and release’ laws that let juvenile offenders get away with crime will be scrapped once and for all,” Mr Purdie said.
“Police are exhausted and stretched to the limit from catching the same offenders time and time again.
“There will be no more slaps on the wrist under the LNP. We will bring back true consequences for crime.”
LNP’s plan to crack down on crime
A range of justice reinvestment programs in Australia have proven to be successful in early intervention and reducing offending. Backing Bourke, a program led Just Reinvest NSW, focuses on indigenous youth in and around Bourke. An impact assessment found a 31% increase in year 12 student retention rates and a 38% reduction in charges across the top five juvenile offence categories; a 14% reduction in bail breaches and a 42% reduction in days spent in custody. The ‘BackTrack’ Youth Works Program in NSW delivered a 35% cut in juvenile crime in a one-year-period.