Premier must match comprehensive LNP crime plan

The LNP has called on Annastacia Palaszczuk to match their plan to tackle crime in Townsville and keep the community safe.

LNP Deputy Leader Tim Mander said an LNP Government would provide an additional 60 permanent police officers in Townsville, fund a dedicated police helicopter and implement tougher laws to combat youth crime.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk must match the LNP’s comprehensive plan because their attempts to deal with the crimewave have been too little, too late,” Mr Mander said.

“Labor’s MPs in Townsville zero credibility when it comes to crime.

“They have sat on their hands for five years and surrendered Townsville’s streets to criminals.

“Labor are soft on crime - always have been, always will be.

“There’s only one way to bring a stop to the crimewave and that’s by changing the government on October 31.

“The LNP has a comprehensive plan to cut crime and protect the community.

“Only the LNP has a plan to build a stronger economy and create secure jobs in Townsville.

“A stronger economy means safer communities.”

Since Labor was elected in 2015, robbery has increased 163% in Townsville, armed robbery has increased 175%, unlawful use of motor vehicle has increased 97%, unlawful entry has increased 85% and assault has increased 40%.

“The people of Townsville have a right to feel safe in their homes and on the streets,” Mr Mander said.

“That’s not happening when young thugs are thumbing their nose at Labor’s soft laws, committing violent crime, car theft and drug use.

“The LNP’s commitment to 60 additional permanent police officers and a dedicated police helicopter will strengthen the front line against crime in Townsville.

“The LNP will give our hardworking police the laws and resources they need to do their job, put criminals behind bars and protect the public.

“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 youth crime

• Tougher laws – Scrap Labor’s soft ‘catch and release’ laws; bring back breach of bail as an offence; recognise prior youth offending in the courts and remove detention as a last resort.
• 24/7 monitoring of youth offenders on bail or other court orders – Extend youth justice department monitoring of youth offenders on bail around the clock. This will free up police resources and ensure the Department of Youth Justice is more accountable.
• Mandatory detention for third conviction – The Youth Justice Act will be amended to force the courts to sentence a youth to detention if convicted of a third offence. No more slaps on the wrist.
• Establish Community Payback Farm Program – The LNP will introduce a trial of five Community Payback Farms. This approach will focus on learning new skills, improving self-discipline, teaching offenders to take ownership of their actions, with a focus on culturally appropriate programs and elder mentoring. This will be a major rehabilitation program for repeat offenders to break the cycle of offending and slam closed the revolving door of youth crime.
• Scrapping youth bail houses – Bail houses have been an expensive failure and have failed to reduce re-offending rates. Of the 95 young people residing in bail houses since 31 March 2019, 80 have committed further offences. This has been a failed $70 million experiment from Labor which has had an 84% re-offending rate.
• More Early Intervention through Justice Reinvestment – Justice reinvestment diverts a portion of the funds for youth detention to communities with a high concentration of offenders. It promotes physical, social and emotional health in children to reduce youth crime. The LNP will establish a dedicated $7 million justice reinvestment two-year trial in 2021/22 and 2022/23 with Cairns and Townsville being ideal locations.