LNP clarifies confusion Nicholls created
THE LNP was forced to hurriedly clarify its new youth justice detention policy yesterday after leader Tim Nicholls said 17-year-old murderers would be housed in new medium security facilities.
In Cairns to announce the construction of two new medium security “reintegration centres” for 17 to 15-yearold offenders if the LNP won, Mr Nicholls said he expected 17-year-olds convicted of murder would be housed in the new facility before being moved to a maximum security jail.
But the LNP later clarified that would not be the case and Mr Nicholls said 17-year-olds would remain in the youth justice system.
“Under the current system they will still be dealt with under the youth justice system as a 17-year-old, which is the law as it stands at the moment,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Obviously the recommendations of the sentencing judge will take impact, someone who is convicted of murder gets life imprisonment.”
Mr Nicholls said the centres would be near Cairns and in southeast Queensland.
The LNP announced an $8 million plan to reduce recidivism and re-offending, with grants distributed to nongovernment organisations.
Shadow corrective services minister Tim Mander said the plan would help the overcrowded prison system.
“Crime rates have continually increased under Labor, our prisons are overflowing and our youth detention centres have been embroiled in controversy with continual riots and centre lockdowns,” Mr Mander said.