State’s crime report lashed

NORTH Queensland MPS have slammed the government’s late-night release of a landmark youth justice reform report, joining LNP leader David Crisafulli’s attacks on the state government, with one saying the state government is “digging their own grave”.

The updated report into youth crime, conducted by former Queensland police commissioner Bob Atkinson, was originally scheduled to be released six months after youth bail laws passed parliament in April 30.

The legislation, announced on February 9, 2021, just four days after Townsville woman Jennifer Board was killed in a crash by an alleged vigilante chasing a car stolen by juveniles.

The report, which was finished in June this year, was finally released late on Tuesday night, with the 168 page document made public at 8.17pm.

“During the course of the review we interviewed key stakeholders to get a better understanding of the effectiveness of the Government’s youth justice reforms and the continual monitoring of these reforms,” Mr Atkinson said.

“The key take away was that the reforms were worthwhile and should be continued.”

The report found that electronic monitoring trail was ‘well implemented’, despite only two North Queensland juveniles being fitted with the devices during a year-long trial.

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto called the timing of the report’s release a ‘political ploy’. “The figures don’t stack up yet they delayed the release of the report to ensure that they had adequate time to attach a positive narrative to the figures.,” Mr Dametto said.

“When read in conjunction with the actual crime figures we are seeing from Queensland Police and Childrens Court of Queensland, the figures make no sense. Anyone who believes the government’s positive take on this report is wearing rose coloured glasses.

“If the Labor government accepts that the reforms are worthwhile and should continue, then good luck to them in two years time, they are digging their own grave.”

Traeger MP Robbie Katter said the state government was ‘paralysed’ by the issue.

“It is a simple fact that in 2022 Queensland children are committing more serious and violent offences than ever before,” he said. “Children are being held in custody for an average of 40 days – simply a blip on the radar and a woeful indictment on not only how seriously the government takes the harm these kids are causing to communities but also how invested it is in their reform.”