Youth crime

Eligibility - Queensland citizens
Principal Petitioner:
Stephen Hansford
24 Adaminaby Drive
HELENSVALE QLD 4212
Total Signatures - 3,885
Sponsoring Member: Mr Mark Boothman MP
Posting Date: 12/7/2023
Closing Date: 2/10/2023
Tabled Date: 10/10/2023
Responded By: Hon Di Farmer MP on 9/11/2023
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House the lack of progress when dealing with youth offenders and:

a) note the youth crime crisis continues to plague innocent Queenslanders with victims feeling there is no justice or deterrent when dealing with offenders - especially repeat offenders.

b) feel repeat offenders are making a mockery of the revolving door “catch and release” legal justice system.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to:

1.  Ensure all repeat offenders, with two or more offences, must participate in rehabilitation programs that deal with their anti-social behaviour as part of their punishment. Only upon successfully completion of these programs are they to be released.

2.  A youth offender should not be able to choose to wear a GPS tracking device. A magistrate should be able to mandate the wearing of such a device as part of the condition for sentencing - when deemed appropriate - and also remove the provision of “detention as a last resort” to empower magistrates.

3.  Focus on early intervention programs with proven outcomes, that capture disengaged youth to lessen the likelihood of future antisocial behaviour. This should also include better resourcing and funding at primary and junior secondary school education level to increase student engagement and lessen the possibility of future behavioural issues.

4.  Ensure the Government reports quarterly all data on intervention program outcomes.