Crime not only issue

WHILE some media might like the topic of crime to be the biggest issue during the state election, and as important as it is, we also know, jobs, infrastructure, health, education, future employment opportunities will also dominate the discussion.

We need to make sure North Queensland continues to get its fair share. It was this Labor Government that delivered over $1 billion in job generating infrastructure in Townsville, and we need to continue to make that happen, as high unemployment rates are associated with crime rates.

That being said, we are committed to tackling the issue of crime that has plagued our community for many years under different forms of government.

For those seeking to make it political, it is interesting to note that under the LNP over their time 86.5 per cent of offenders were simply fined (2012-13), instead of receiving a custodial sentence in regards to breach of bail. They failed on bail! Conversely, we have seen custodial sentences increase in our time.

Then the failed boot camps, and to add insult the LNP committed zero police to Townsville in their 2017 election commitment. They cannot be serious about being an alternate government with that dismal track record.

We know more has to be done, that is why we continue to strongly advocate for and are delivering on more police (100) to help make our streets safer.

We have delivered programs that demonstrate a 70 per cent non reoffending rate 12 months after completion of Transition to Success (T2S), and boosted funding of Project Booyah, after the LNP ceased funding.

At a Take Back Townsville Rally, I said nothing was off the table, we are listening and a number of different proposals have been put to us that we have taken up to the ministers for consideration. I thank and acknowledge those who want to see change, we must hold offenders to account.

I have written to the health minister on the issue of chroming as I want to see this awful and dangerous practice stopped in our city. Why on earth do parents allow their kids to do this, knowing the harmful effects?

Most importantly we have given the courts and police increased powers through Section 48 of the Youth Justice Act. It is new legislation that is explicit as it provides them with more powers to detain people in custody if they pose a serious risk to the community and/or are likely to reoffend. They have the tools, I say use them and lock up offenders. Once again, I call on the judiciary to ensure sentencing meets community expectations.

We will continue working with Townsville to clean up the streets and reduce the rates of crime and as a local MP invested in my area, I won’t rest until it is done.

AARON HARPER, Member for Thuringowa.