IN DEFENCE OF DISCIPLINE

HERE might be a solution to help deter youth crime and stop the

theft of cars that appears to be out of control in Cairns.

Why not introduce a form of “conscription” that will apply to youths who are of the age of consent? For example, a 15-yearold caught stealing a car would be sentenced to five years “conscription”.

It has to be better than the current detention centres, as locking up these wayward youths only appears to inflame the situation, as can be seen by the number of reoffenders.

A defence force environment, where discipline and respect are firmly entrenched back into the lives of the conscripts, would not only punish them but also help to train a sort of reserve army, if you will. The money saved on the currently failing system would more than pay for it and if there’s one thing wayward youths hate more than anything, it’s discipline. Sam Williamson, Parramatta Park