Last berates Labor MPS Townsville trio ‘giving up on crime’ as city loses youth program

THE Opposition spokesman for Northern Queensland has accused Townsville’s Labor MPS of “giving up on crime”.

The sledge by Dale Last came after a multi-million-dollar program aimed at keeping children out of the Child Safety and Youth Justice systems was awarded to the Sunshine Coast, and not Townsville. “The funding snub is even more concerning when unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences by juveniles in Townsville are nearly 400 per cent higher than the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Last said.

“What makes it even more embarrassing for the three Townsville Labor MPS is that it was their Brisbane bosses that invested money in an LNP electorate.

“It’s as if Labor HQ has given up on Townsville in the same way the three Labor MPS gave up on crime.”

Targeted at 10 to 14-yearolds who are disengaged at school, the St Vincent De Paul program was announced by Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer last week.

The program won the federal government award for response to child abuse and neglect in 2015, plus three National Child Protection Week awards and Mission Australia’s

Child-friendly Excellence award. Ms Farmer said the new service would provide integrated support for every member of the family.

Mr Last said Townsville should have received the program given youth crime was higher here than on the Sunshine Coast. “The population of the Sunshine Coast is 79 per cent higher than the Townsville population,” Mr Last said.

“But, as far as numbers of offences go, Townsville sees 25 per cent more robberies by juveniles, 146 per cent more unlawful entry offences by juveniles, and a staggering 398 per cent more unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences by juveniles.”

All three Townsville MPS declined to comment, however a State Government spokesman said if the program proved successful it would be considered for use across Queensland.

He said $500 million had been spent on crime since 2017.

“The LNP needs to catch up – in March the State Government announced its five point plan to tackle youth crime in Townsville, including $1.5 million for an On Country trial, and a Police Strike Team,” the spokesman said.

“We’ve also amended the Youth Justice Act to make it clear that if a young person is a risk to the community, they must be refused bail – incredibly the LNP voted against it.”