By Chase Christensen
The brand-new Queensland LNP government is in full swing and the party has already delivered on the changes they promised would occur in the first month of their four-year term. This includes the ‘Making Queensland Safer Act’. It has officially become a law and will be a massive change for Queensland, particularly the Pumicestone electorate, as youth crime has become a big problem in areas such as Bribie Island and surrounds.
The basis of the ’Making Queensland Safer’ laws is ‘adult time for adult crime’. It means that youths who commit particular crimes in Queensland will be treated like adults at sentencing time. The crimes included are murder, manslaughter, unlawful striking causing death, grievous bodily harm, wounding, serious assault, home and business break ins and robbery, as well as dangerous operation of vehicles.
Another key part of the law is that courts will be further empowered to consider an offender’s past criminal history, including their history as a juvenile when they’re sentenced for a five-year period. The law will also include detention centres for youths as a last resort and measures to open children’s court to the media and public. This means youth criminals will not be able to hide themselves away from the public spotlight, despite committing awful acts. Ultimately, victims will be prioritised over offenders during sentencing, despite the offender being a youth. This is a bold, but superb move from the Crisafulli Government.
I was lucky to speak with Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan, who kindly answered important questions regarding the act. I asked if numbers would be significantly reduced due to the future law?
“I think our Staying on Track Program is a big step toward breaking the cycle of repeat youth offending” she answered confidently. “Over time, with stronger laws in place, we expect this to help bring crime numbers down. The goal is to see real improvements in community safety as these measures take effect.”
For context, the Staying on Track Program, is an intensive 12-month rehabilitation program newly introduced by the Queensland LNP government which aims to stop youth offenders from re-offending.
It is easy to tell by just a couple of sentences that Ms Doolan truly believes in the youth crime system adjustment. Ms Doolan was unable to provide an estimated goal in the reduction of youth crime numbers from the future law, however she is rightly confident, as the rest of Queensland should be.
I also asked her if she believes potential or past youth offenders would be intimidated by the law and the temptation to commit crimes like home and business break-ins, or dangerous driving be reduced?
“Our Adult Crime, Adult Time policy makes it clear that youth offenders will be held accountable for their actions,” she said. “This sends a strong message that serious crimes will have serious consequences.”
It’s clear that the LNP are trying to send a strong message to youths who are thinking of committing crimes. This will not only benefit the innocent community, but also the potential offenders, as their life could change tracks positively if they fear the new laws.
Lastly, Ms Doolan gave a strong message to the residents of Pumicestone, describing the reason why she is so passionate about strong policies and tackling crime.
“Like many locals, I’ve seen how crime has gotten out of control,” she said. “Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, at work and in their neighbourhood.”
It is important to have someone as our local member for parliament who is aware as much as the locals are of the youth crime situation in our area.
It is important that members of the community have patience and trust the new government to reduce youth crime numbers significantly and make locals safer. It is not an overnight process; however, the wait will be worth it. Ms Doolan will fight for the locals of Pumicestone in parliament and deliver for the needs of locals by doing her best work to reduce youth crime alongside Premier David Crisafulli.
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