The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s attempts to tackle the Youth Crime Crisis in Queensland have dismally failed. 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 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 Palaszczuk Labor Government promised courts would target hardcore youth offenders.

Shockingly, the Government has admitted the failure to issue additional devices was due to offenders’ “unwillingness to comply” with the court order. So much for getting tough – if a convicted offender didn’t want to cop the punishment, they could just ‘opt out’! 

Official figures show over the past month alone, almost 50 breaks and enters occurred, while more than 20 cars were stolen in the south-east every day. These figures are disturbing and prove the Government is losing control of crime. Thugs are running rampant and destroying lives and businesses every day while the Government sits on its hands. Worst of all is the loss of security felt by families and individuals when their home is violated by crime. There is no making up for that – and that is why it is so vital for the Government to act to prevent crime, not just issue media statements promising action and failing to deliver (as they have in this case). 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 LNP has repeatedly called on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to introduce breach of bail as an offence for young offenders. If a 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. If the Government doesn’t act now, it’s only going to get worse. 

Gambling Community Benefit Fund  
Round 114 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund opened in mid-April, and community organisations have until 31 May 2022 to apply for grants of up to $35,000. I have provided letters of support for numerous community groups, and together with other grant initiatives, our region has received over 18 million dollars in grant funds for community organisations since I was elected as your representative in 2012. Please contact my office for more information or to request a letter of support. You may also visit 

 www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants for further information directly from the department. 

If I can be of assistance for a state government matter you’re concerned about, do not hesitate to contact me by phone (toll-free) 1800 813 960, by email at scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au or by mail at PO Box 656 Beaudesert QLD 4285.