The problem

Juvenile crime rates are skyrocketing in North Queensland and the Palaszczuk Labor Government is doing nothing about it.

Juvenile criminals are back on the streets with a slap on the wrist, sometimes within hours of being detained.

Police powers are limited and the maximum sentence a judge can give amount to a short stint in a juvenile detention facility where they can learn to become better criminals.

North Queensland communities such as Townsville and Mackay are being ravaged by juvenile crime and the Palaszczuk Labor Government is being soft on the perpetrators and hard on the victims!

The people of North Queensland have had enough!

The stats

Between 2015 and 2020:

• Juvenile assault in Townsville is up 78%

• Juvenile assault in Mackay is up 98%

• Juvenile assault in Queensland is up 47%

• Juvenile break ins are up 51%

• Juvenile robberies up 183%

• And juvenile motor vehicle offences up 158%

Have you been a victim of a crime?

Tell me your story:

This is not the place to report a crime

• If you want to report a crime go to: www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

• If you have information which could lead to an arrest call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

• If there is an emergency call 000.

The Solution

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.

To continue the cycle of locking these kids up, releasing them into the community, then locking them up again when they commit another crime is insane. It does not work.

That’s why I propose the following solutions to our juvenile crime problem:

1. Boot Camps

   These kids need to be taught discipline, the value of work and the consequences of their actions. Sending them to remote boot camps where they’ll learn to be productive members of society will protect the community in the short-term while enabling the kids to better the community in the long-term.

2. Stronger sentencing

   No more slaps on the wrist and back to stealing cars or breaking into homes. We need sentences for juvenile criminals which will not only protect the community, but will also make these kids think twice about their next joy ride.

3. Support for the police

   Police are so swamped in red tape and paperwork these days that they’re not even allowed to pursue a stolen car if it’s suspected to be driven by a minor, due it being a danger to the public. Police need to be able to do Police work and that is to protect the public from criminals and their actions, regardless of the criminal's age!