Youth Justice Act facing changes Police hail bail U-turn

A TOP Townsville police officer has welcomed the State Government’s surprise “backflip” to tighten up youth offender bail laws, saying the community’s concerns have been answered.

Townsville Acting Chief Superintendent Glen Pointing gave his nod of approval to the announcement yesterday by Department of Youth Minister Di Farmer that the Youth Justice Act would be amended to have stricter bail laws.

The move has been labelled a giant “backflip” by the Opposition as the proposed changes come just three months after the laws were initially changed to keep children out of detention.

Acting Chief Superintendent Pointing said the amendment would help police officers and could “potentially” decrease property crime rates.

He said the move proved that the community’s loud concerns about juvenile youth crime had been heard.

Police Minister Mark Ryan has previously slammed the courts and magistrates for not using the law properly, but they have maintained their hands were tied.

In State Parliament on Monday, Ms Farmer said the changes would be made to ensure the legislation was “crystal clear”.

A passionate advocate who led the charge for change, Julianne Wood, said she was over the moon with the announcement.

The Take Back Townsville founder has worked tirelessly across the past six months holding street rallies, open forums with top ministers, starting a petition and gaining plenty of media attention to shake up the system and get the Youth Justice Act changed.

Ms Wood said she was relentless in her fight for change and was not soft on politicians.

She said the win was not only for Townsville, but a benefit for the entire state.

“I couldn’t believe it. We achieved exactly what we set out to do,” she said.

“It just shows you what the power of little people can do.”

Ms Wood knew the announcement was bound to be revealed in the election year and hoped the ministers kept their word.

For now, she was relishing the moment and planned to celebrate.

The proposed amendments are yet to be presented to the House of Representatives, which has been severely affected by the coronavirus public health limitations.

It is unclear when this will happen, or how long it will take to roll out changes into the court system.