Deb Frecklington
Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says juvenile offenders in the South Burnett have been getting a “slap on the wrist” before being sent back home.
Speaking to reporters in Bundaberg on Monday, Mrs Frecklington said there was a crime wave in the South Burnett but the State Government wasn’t listening to the local community.
“What we have is a spate of juvenile criminals running around that are getting a slap on the wrist,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“We need to be tough on crime.
“We need to start giving some levers for our magistrates to be able to pull.
“What I believe, and the LNP have always believed, is that we need to bring back breach of bail as an offence.”
She said children were re-offending, breaching their bail but they were just getting a slap on the wrist and being sent home.
“It’s not good enough,” she said.
“We’re going to have to do something with these kids.
“And as a community we need to support these kids in their rehabilitation.”
She said the “Reclaim The South Burnett” petition had attracted more than 800 signatures from people “trying to encourage the Palaszczuk Government to sit up and listen to what our community is saying”.
“The South Burnett community is saying we need help, we need more resources and we need people to sit up and listen that there is a crime wave happening in our region at the moment,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Unfortunately, the Minister isn’t listening. Unfortunately, the government isn’t listening and they’ve decided to take no steps.
“Well, that’s not good enough. I’m going to stand up each and every day for my community.
“Our hard-working policemen and women need help in that area. We need more resources.
“We’ve just had the Budget handed down and no more resources have been provided to the South Burnett.
“Well, I’m not going to stop until my community feels safe again.”
