Labor’s so-called promise to target hardcore youth criminals has spectacularly failed with revelations only three GPS trackers have been fitted as a condition of bail to accused youth offenders.
Last February, the Police Minister introduced legislation to Parliament and promised courts would be granted more powers to fit GPS Trackers to repeat high risk offenders aged 16 and 17.
It hasn’t happened.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said the government had failed Queenslanders on youth crime.
“These GPS trackers were a publicity stunt which has been a spectacular failure,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Every single Queensland community has a right to feel safe.
“No one should have to walk down the street and worry they’re going to be mugged by some thug.
“Queenslanders are frustrated with the lack of progress from a State Government that never delivers. Unfortunately, Labor is losing control of crime in Queensland, just ask Queenslanders.
“The LNP is demanding the State Government introduce breach of bail as an offence for young criminals.”
Shadow Attorney-General Tim Nicholls said the State Government must get serious about cracking down on youth crime.
“We have repeatedly called on the State Government to introduce breach of bail as an offence for young offenders,” he said.
“If breach of bail was an offence and a young offender broke any one of their bail conditions, police would be able to intervene early.
“The offender would be back in the system rather than allowed on the street to offend again.”
It comes as the Children’s Court annual report released last month showed 10% of young criminals are responsible for almost half of all youth crime.
“Labor has failed to get youth crime under control, failed to protect our community and failed to do right by our children and this report proves it,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Repeat offenders should not be allowed to put the safety of Queenslanders at risk.
“It’s time the government started listening to Queenslanders and strengthened our laws.”
