The Opposition is today calling on the Palaszczuk Government to reveal its Youth Justice legislation, to allow Queenslanders to provide their feedback before Parliament returns later this month.
The Government has been talking about its so-called plan since December, but the real changes have been kept under wraps and hidden away from scrutiny.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said Queenslanders deserved to see the proposed changes well ahead of Parliament resuming.
“It is not a tough request to release the laws ahead of Parliament, so that Queenslanders can see the changes and have their say,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Queensland has a youth crime crisis and we all want to see it fixed but it is becoming increasingly clear the Palaszczuk Government isn’t consulting with Queenslanders, victims or stakeholders.
“The only way to fix it is to get the laws right which were watered down by this Government in 2015.
“I’ve been listening to Queenslanders and they have ideas on how to tackle youth crime, they deserve to have their say.
“They deserve to see the legislation before the Government rushes it through Parliament.
“I’m calling on the Premier to release the legislation so we can make sure Queenslanders’ voices are heard.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie said the only plausible reason the Palaszczuk Government wouldn’t release the legislation was because it didn’t stack up.
“If the Premier doesn’t release the changes to the Youth Justice Act, it will be abundantly clear she doesn’t even back her own laws or the Government hasn’t finished writing them,” Mr Bleijie said.
“How embarrassing for the Premier that these changes need to be kept under wraps because her Government is worried they’re weak and won’t solve youth crime in Queensland.”
