Group has answer to crime: Caligari
A PROMINENT army figure has thrown his support behind a Townsville community group, saying politics need to be left at the door for action against youth crime.
Lieutenant General (retired) John Caligari, a distinguished and celebrated veteran, said the cohesive approach between indigenous leaders and non-indigenous community members in Townsville One Community was the winning mixture.
The group is calling for the Youth Justice Act to be amended to allow alternate sentencing options to be made available to judges, and long-term funding to be secured for rehabilitation programs.
Headed by small business owner Jeff Adams, the group has gained more than 2000 signatures on a petition to all levels of government to change the legislation to reflect “community standards”. Lt-gen Caligari said the group stood out from other anti-crime groups through its “serious morale” and its dedication to “on-country programs”.
Lt-gen Caligari previously commanded the Townsville-based 3rd Brigade and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Officer of the Order of Australia for “distinguished service”.
He has lived in Townsville since retiring from service in 2015 after more than 30 years in the army.
“I think (crime) is getting worse … it is certainly rising in the consciousness of Townsville,” he said.
“I want to demonstrate that this group is something worth getting behind … we all think this is the real fix.
“Everyone has to leave the politics out of the issue and deal with the problem as a whole community.”