November 27, 2018
The State Opposition says Queensland’s youth justice system is in crisis and an insult to victims of crime.
LNP leader Deb Frecklington said letting juvenile offenders get away with breaking the law was not the answer.
“Queensland has overcrowded detention centres, young criminals being kept in watch houses, continual riots, lockdowns and staff assaults and a failed bail house experiment,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“What we’ve seen under Annastacia Palaszczuk is a youth justice system in crisis and youth crime out of control.
“Labor has weakened laws and bungled the transfer of 17-year-olds from adult prisons.
“On top of that we have seen the police budget slashed.
“Allowing young criminals to avoid the justice system by raising the age of criminal responsibility is a complete cop out.
“Letting juvenile offenders get away with breaking the law is not the answer. Labor is completely out of touch.”
LNP Shadow Attorney-General David Janetzki said any investigation into the age of criminal responsibility at a Federal level was a waste of time and money as well.
“Young people should know the difference between right and wrong at age 10, let alone 14 or 15,” Mr Janetzki said.
“Young offenders must be held accountable for their crimes and anything else is an insult to victims who have had their cars stolen or homes broken into.
“If you are old enough to commit a serious crime, you are old enough to understand the consequences.
“Youth offenders being accountable for their actions and early intervention and rehabilitation must be the way forward.
“We need to make sure young offenders are rehabilitated and skilled up properly so they have a fair crack at turning their lives around.”
