Public is crying out for justice

IT BEGGARS belief that three days after a gang of young men allegedly began a violent rampage of car stealing, carjacking, assault and robbery across North Queensland, they are still on the loose.

What is yet more galling is that police caught one of the alleged perpetrators and charged him with a string of serious offences, yet for some reason did not oppose his bail.

So that man was back on the streets on Sunday night, hours after police arrested him after a marathon pursuit that stretched from Townsville to Cairns and back.

Is it any wonder offenders appear to show no fear of authorities, nor any shame for their actions.

As we have repeatedly pointed out, there will be no progress in addressing our crime crisis until the Government recognises its gravity and acts accordingly.

Removing breach of bail as an offence, establishing cushy bail homes for teenage crims, and moving 17- year- olds back into youth detention only sends one message: this Government cares more about the welfare of offenders than it does for that of the general public.

This latest shameful episode and its aftermath sends an appalling message to the victims of these crimes.

Has anybody in the Government – Yvette D’ath, hopefully this will land in your media clips file – bothered to consider the plight of the 57- year- old man who was severely bashed by this gang?

He is suffering in hospital, undergoing surgery for multiple fractures and missing teeth. Unlike his attackers, he will be eating with a straw for some time.

How does this outcome meet community expectations?

The Government ignores the fury of our community at its peril.

For many Townsville residents directly or indirectly affected by these crimes, it matters little what the Palaszczuk Government has done about jobs, water security or power bills. They want to feel safe. They want to know their Government understands their concerns and is respectful enough to respond to them.

If nothing changes, chances are our elected members will.