Drugs fuel assault spike

DRUG- FUELLED aggression has become a major factor in the growing number of assaults in Townsville, according to police.

The latest financial year crime statistics revealed six assaults are reported on average each day in the capital of the North.

There were a total of 2199 assaults reported in Townsville last financial year, a 14 per cent increase from the previous 12 months and almost 600 more incidents than five years ago.

Acting Chief Superintendent Steve Munro of Townsville Police said there was a serious concern about the people’s willingness to commit violent offending, not just in Townsville but across Queensland.

“I think it’s a reflection of current society,” Chief- Supt Munro said.

“There seems to be changing social values and social norm.

“Whether it’s alcohol, the scourge of ice, disadvantage … there’s a range of contributing factors, but especially ice.

“Looking more holistically these are not just law enforcement issues, they are societal issues.”

Chief- Supt Munro said a particularly troubling aspect of the rise in violence was the trend of assaults on emergency service workers and hospital staff.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper, himself a former paramedic, said such behaviour was unacceptable and the State Government was working to address the problem.

“It’s disgraceful and won’t be tolerated by the broader community,” Mr Harper said.

“It’s about working together as a government and looking at things like the investing in body worn cameras for hospital and security staff and hopefully we can see this type of offending trend down.”

Much of the violence in Townsville occurs behind closed doors with 2814 breaches of domestic violence orders reported last financial year, a 7 per cent increase on the previous 12 months and almost 1600 more than five years ago.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said it was a positive thing that domestic violence was being reported because it meant victims had confidence to come forward to authorities.

“There is no way that DV is acceptable in our community – never has been, never will be,” Mr Stewart said.

“We need to make sure there are repercussions for perpetrators … also education and support for perpetrators to make sure they don’t see this as acceptable behaviour.”

Mr Stewart also linked the high number of domestic violence offences to drug problems within the community, particularly noting ice as a major issue.