March 11, 2020
Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says the State Government is failing to listen to the concerns of South Burnett residents about youth crime.
“I have been calling on Labor to put boots on the ground and bring the crime wave in the South Burnett under control for more than two years,” Mrs Frecklington said on Wednesday.
“This community has genuine concerns about youth crime but Annastacia Palaszczuk is failing to listen.”
Speaking in Brisbane on Wednesday afternoon, Mrs Frecklington challenged reporters who queried whether youth crime was really “that big a crisis” to visit the streets of Townsville, Cairns, the Gold Coast, Nanango or Murgon.
“Under Annastacia Palaszczuk, crime has become out of control,” she said.
“Assaults are up 35 per cent … robberies are up 100 per cent … and we have got unlawful use of motor vehicles up 75 per cent.”
Mrs Frecklington said Labor was “soft on criminals”.
“Their plan won’t work to cut crime here in the South Burnett,” she said.
“The South Burnett deserves immediate action on youth crime but community safety in this region is clearly not a priority for Labor.
“Home invasions, vandalism and car thefts can’t be allowed to become the norm here.
“I’ve written to Labor’s Police Minister on three separate occasions seeking intervention and the need for a stronger police presence in Murgon and Cherbourg.
“I’ve led two petitions with more than 1200 signatures and the community has been loud and clear – enough is enough.”
Ms Frecklington said an LNP Government would change legislation to make the South Burnett and communities across Queensland safer.
“The LNP will shut the revolving door of justice by giving our police tough new laws and the resources they need to protect people and their property,” Ms Frecklington said.
“As a priority, the LNP will bring back breach of bail for juveniles as an offence and scrap Labor’s ‘catch and release’ laws.
“No more slaps on the wrists, no more cotton gloves – there will be jail time and true consequences for criminal activity under the LNP.
“The only way to cut crime in the South Burnett is to change the government.”
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