Tougher Youth Crime Laws Backed by North Queensland MPs

Queensland Parliament passes the second tranche of Adult Crime, Adult Time youth justice reforms

• Townsville MPs back expanded laws to deliver tougher consequences for serious youth offenders

• MPs say community safety and victim support must come first

Queensland Parliament has passed the second tranche of the Crisafulli Government’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws, a move welcomed by Townsville’s three State MPs, who say the expanded reforms are a direct response to their community’s long-standing concerns about youth crime.

Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr, Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole, and Member for Townsville Adam Baillie have thrown their support behind the expanded Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation, ensuring tougher consequences for young offenders who commit serious crimes.

Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr, a member of the Queensland Parliament’s Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee, said the laws reflect direct community input and expert advice, and she will not stop fighting until Thuringowa families feel safe in their homes and on their streets.

“My community has lived through a youth crime crisis that was left to grow unchecked for a decade. The message from locals has been clear, enough is enough,” Ms Marr said.

“I welcome the inclusion of tougher sentencing powers that reflect the seriousness of these crimes and support our hardworking police and justice professionals who keep our community safe.”

“These laws are about ensuring repeat offenders face real consequences, while also giving courts the power they need to protect victims and our community.”

The legislation includes 20 new serious offences such as arson, torture, sexual assault, trafficking in dangerous drugs and ramming police vehicles, ensuring serious crimes committed by young offenders are treated with the seriousness they deserve. -2-

Member for Mundingburra and Assistant Minister for Community Safety Janelle Poole APM MP acknowledged that this was another step in the right direction, but the work needed to continue.

“These laws are about ensuring repeat offenders face real consequences, while also giving courts the power they need to protect victims and our community,” Mrs Poole said.

“I know that my community does not feel safe and we still have a long way to go to restore safety in Mundingburra, but this is a step in the right direction.”

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie acknowledged that juvenile offending rates and victim numbers are too high across Townsville.

“Strengthening our laws with these additional offences is the next step to helping combat the ongoing youth crime crisis.” Mr Baillie said.

“I know people are frustrated – I’m frustrated – but we won’t stop until we see victim numbers decrease, and these laws give us the tools to help turn the tide on juvenile crime.”

“These laws are about backing the community and putting in place consequences that protect

people and deter serious offending.”

The new laws are backed by investment in early intervention and rehabilitation programs to break the cycle of youth crime and reduce reoffending.

The Crisafulli Government says this is just the beginning of a broader effort to rebuild Queensland’s youth justice system after years of inaction under the former government.