Move to amend youth crime law

THE Katter’s Australian Party will attempt to introduce amendments to the Youth Justice Bill before state parliament this week.

This comes just days after a report into the proposed legislation found that there was little or no evidence to indicate the changes would work.

The party will attempt to introduce changes to the legislation, including a minimum of 12 months in prison to be served wholly in a corrective services facility for repeat offenders who commit either unlawful use of a motor vehicle, burglary and entering or being in a premises to commit an indictable offence.

The LNP has also indicated it will attempt to move amendments to introduce breach of bail as an offence.

KAP leader Robbie Katter (pictured) said the party was representing the people of r e g i o n a l Queensland w who were “under the grip” of youth crime.

Mr Katter reignited his push for relocation sentencing, saying it could be a “cost effective” strategy to help turn young offenders lives around.

“These youth detention centres aren’t working. They’re very expensive and they’re full to the brim,” he said. “We need some cost effective and very practical solutions to youth crime and relocation sentencing has unquestioned support … in the regional areas.”

Mr Katter said what the government had proposed was “rubbish” that did nothing.

“We should not be surprised, because the government said data shows crime is coming down, so they’ve started this whole process of addressing youth crime from the position of we’re doing a good job and things are coming down. ” Mr Katter said the people needed compassion from the government.

The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee travelled through the regions, including Townsville, last month to hear from the community on the legislation.