LNP Proposes Early Intervention School for Youth Crime in Townsville
Youth crime has been a major concern leading up to the Queensland state election.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has announced that Townsville is one of four locations chosen for a proposed government-funded crime “early intervention” school if the Liberal National Party (LNP) wins the upcoming election.
This declaration, made on Oct. 9 in Townsville, is part of the LNP’s commitment to addressing youth crime in the state through its $40 million “Right Track” program and “Make Our Community Safer” strategy.
“Queensland is facing a crisis of youth crime that is affecting residents across the state,” Crisafulli stated.
“Nowhere is this more evident than in Townsville, where a generation of individuals consider themselves untouchable and prioritize their rights over those of victims.”
As part of the initiative, the Right Track program aims to re-engage up to 900 at-risk youths by providing mentoring and community engagement to prevent crimes.
The program will collaborate with the Men of Business (MOB) Academy from the Gold Coast, which focuses on reintegrating young Australians who have dropped out of school.
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The MOB Academy, run by Marco Renai, will expand to cater for grades 7-12.
The academy has a successful track record, with Renai dedicating 14 years to understanding how to positively impact the lives of young individuals.
Committee on Youth Crime Stonewalled
Independent MP Sandy Bolton suggested reintroducing youth boot camps in Queensland, a policy previously eliminated by the Labor government.
Bolton led a significant inquiry into youth crime.
Following engagements with experts and officials, the parliamentary committee identified seven crucial areas for investigation, including assessing the effectiveness of the Youth Justice Act 1992, early intervention strategies, and the necessity for a long-term vision for Queensland’s youth justice system.
The committee proposed actions to enhance community safety by reducing repeat offenses and assisting young offenders in reintegrating into society.
However, the committee, consisting of three Labor MPs, three LNP members, and chaired by Bolton, was eventually disbanded.
The release of its interim report was postponed three times after failing to reach a consensus on its recommendations to the government.
In the Queensland parliament, Bolton expressed her efforts to work “patiently, impartially, respectfully, and collaboratively with both sides of this chamber to present a balanced, nonpartisan report on the many contentious issues discussed.”
“The inability to deliver a bipartisan agreement, as required by the people of Queensland, has been personally and otherwise deeply disappointing,” she stated.
