Premier laughs off Palm crime strategy

BURDEKIN MP Dale Last has claimed a terrifying ordeal teachers on Palm Island recently faced is proof the State Government needs to be tougher on youth crime.

On Monday the Townsville Bulletin revealed mass security upgrades were being undertaken to protect teachers and nurses on Palm Island after a spate of crime.

Mr Last highlighted one particularly disturbing incident in Question Time yesterday.

“I table a report of teachers having to lock themselves in a storeroom and call police to escape rampaging youth thugs,” he said. “And Education Queensland being forced to post security guards outside a school and teachers’ homes for their safety.”

The incident occurred in late June. Security guards have been stationed at Bwgcolman Community School between 6am- 6pm as a response.

Teachers’ accommodation is also patrolled by security.

Mr Last asked, without notice, whether Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk would support the LNP’s policy to reintroduce breach of bail as an offence for juveniles.

In 2015, the Palaszczuk Government removed breach of bail offences for youth after it had been introduced under the LNP’s Campbell Newman.

The Premier said she would “look at the issues” but laughed off any suggestion about adopting the LNP’s policy.

“I’m more than happy to ask the Education Minister to look into that and get back to the House,” Ms Palaszczuk said. Mr Last was critical of Ms Palaszczuk’s response, stating youth crime on Palm Island wasn’t a laughing matter.