December 15, 2025
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington and Premier David Crisafulli have both written to the Murgon Business and Development Association is response to a letter concerning the recent spike in crime in the Murgon area.
Mrs Frecklington acknowledged the “very real impact” on the community.
“I hear the community concerns and share your determination to see our towns feel safe again,” she wrote.
“I meet regularly with the Premier, the Minister for Police, and the Minister for Youth Justice who are all acutely aware of the seriousness of youth crime in our community.
“Extra resources have already been deployed to help address the immediate challenges, and we want to reiterate that this issue must be tackled with urgency to ensure victims feel supported, communities feel safe, and offenders are held accountable.”
In response to an MBDA’s question – “Do you have the power or authority to intervene in, review, or mandate stronger bail decisions when magistrates continue to release repeat offenders?” – Mrs Frecklington clarified that she does not have this power.
“The Queensland Attorney-General is responsible for identifying and recommending suitable candidates for appointment as magistrates and judges in Queensland. These recommendations are submitted to the Governor, who formally appoints the judicial officers,” Mrs Frecklington wrote.
“Judicial appointments are made until the mandatory retirement age of 70 – this safeguards judicial independence, ensuring that magistrates and judges can make decisions free from government influence.
“Importantly, the Attorney-General does not have the authority to remove a judicial officer. If a judge engages in misbehaviour or becomes incapacitated, removal requires a resolution of Parliament. For magistrates, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to remove them from office, though such cases are rare.”
She also outlined recent State Government reforms, including “Adult Crime, Adult Time”, removing detention as a last resort, “Jack’s Law” (hand-held knife scanners) and “Daniel’s Law” (a child sex-offender register).
“South Burnett CTC Inc are receiving more than $240,000 for their 15-month Kickstarter program, to support at-risk youth aged 8-17 through tailored support plans, peer group activities, emotional regulation, and community re-engagement sessions to help get them back on track,” Mrs Frecklington wrote.
Premier Crisafulli said people deserved to feel safe in their homes and businesses.
“Our government is listening and taking action to restore community safety by putting more police on the beat, delivering stronger laws and giving police more resources to prevent crime before it happens,” he wrote.
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