Plan to tackle crime Bipartisan action the key factor, says group
TOWNSVILLE’S passionate anti-crime group has launched its plan to unite the community over the crime issue that has left governments divided.
One Community One Standard founder Jeff Adams said the plan, which was eight months in the making, focused on immediate bipartisan action on generation change.
The group has gained traction with many public figures throwing their support behind their goals, including three new faces.
Steve Crowley is one of the newest backers.
He’s a proud Indigenous man who has worked at the coalface of Townsville Correctional Centre.
He has also worked as a supervisor at the women’s prison and worked at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre.
Other supporters include “transport legend” Mick Campbell and local rugby league identity Marshall
Colwell. Mr Adams called on the region’s parliamentary representatives at all levels of government to “have the courage to stand up” and tackle the problem.
His call comes after the State Government amended the Youth Justice Act to strengthen bail laws for recidivist youth offenders.
The plan includes 10 goals, which includes seeking immediate implementation of enforceable curfews at bail houses and residential care houses, development of on country programs and educational training.
Other goals include mentoring children back into the community and working with parents to investigate root causes of problems.
Mr Adams said that with their campaign has come some threats, including the rise of vigilante behaviour and community members getting hurt.
Mr Adams hopes their work will lead the community towards a cohesive response to youth crime.