Queries over crime ‘fix’
MPs seek detail before backing motion
FAR North MPs are refusing to commit to requests from Mareeba Shire Council and the greater LGAQ for the introduction of remote and rural diversionary facilities for youth offenders.
Mareeba Shire Council submitted the motion to the Local Government Association of Queensland, an advocacy body, which its members voted in favour of at the organisation’s conference in Cairns on Wednesday.
Far North MPs and Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard were cautious of supporting the motion until they received more information, noting the complexity of the issue and the existence of current on country programs.
Ms Linard said she was looking forward to receiving a detailed proposal.
“Our government is always willing to consider constructive suggestions from the community,” Ms Linard said.
“It’s important to remember that most young people who have contact with police and the justice system never reoffend.
“For those that do continue to offend we have the strongest laws in the nation, including the presumption against bail, which means more offenders are locked up for longer.”
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said he was open to new ideas and strategies, but the state already had on-country programs.
“But these are complex and difficult issues, and whatever we do has to be based on evidence it works and whether it makes a difference,” he said.
“If a child’s spirit is broken, banishing them to the bush to fix fences and drive tractors, does not fix the problem.
“We have to help them deal with past trauma, break the cycle of dysfunction, and give them a solid base to build on.”
Cairns MP Michael Healy said early intervention was vitally important for at-risk young people. “We do currently have on-country programs operating around our region,” Mr Healy said.
“Having recently visited youth detention centres in Brisbane, the location of these facilities is one of the complexities when it comes to staffing and access to appropriate services.
“I welcome all suggestions from all levels of government, this is a community problem, and we should seek input and ideas from all sectors.”
Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said he was putting his efforts towards early intervention.
“As the chair of Cairns South Together, the work that I’m involved with is all about that early intervention to build the capacity of families in the southern corridor to give kids the best start and not fall into a life of crime and destruction.”
Cook MP Cynthia Lui said her electorate already had an on-country program run by Jabalbina and she was supportive of the work they did.
“But before I could support the motion, I’d like to see more detail and evidence on how it works,” she said.