Public must see what’s in review: Last
THE state opposition has accused the government of “hiding” after it refused to release a review into the Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group.
Police Minister Mark Ryan and Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard announced on Wednesday TSCAG would get a facelift with major reforms put in place and a new name – Townsville Stronger Communities Early Action Group.
TSCAG was a group created in 2016 to increase information sharing between government services and intervene early to help combat youth crime.
Burdekin MP Dale Last said the government must release the TSCAG review immediately.
“Wednesday’s announcement of so-called reforms is just a rebadge and a name change,” Mr Last said.
“I’ve been calling for the minister to release the review for months. What is he hiding?
“The community deserves to know what’s in the report and how they will be protected.”
The reforms have shed little light on what is likely in the report, with the list suggesting issues with information sharing and communication may have been an issue.
After Mr Last’s call, the government released the full list of reforms to the Townsville Bulletin.
However, the state government still intends to keep the rest of the review confidential.
The major reforms include creating a “strong leadership team” with Assistant Commissioner Mark Wheeler and Deputy General Philip Brooks
at the helm. The pair will take authority for the actions of the group.
It will also employ a new executive officer to support the action group, with funding already allocated.
The focus of the group will be targeted more on early intervention and the reforms will ensure there is consistent representation from all relevant government agencies.
A further review of information sharing arrangements will be completed.
A community reference group will be established, with a broad range of stakeholders involved, including young people, First Nations people and other levels of government.
A police officer with the rank of at least senior sergeant will be attached to the group.
The reforms include improving information sharing between levels of government and enhanced transparency with the public regarding objectives and activities.
Clarity will also be provided around roles to ensure the continuation of services put in place.
Mr Last, who is the opposition spokesman for police, said early intervention was a
key part of the LNP’S policy to tackle youth crime.
“It’s something I have been calling for since I was elected in 2015 but it must be intervention that works and, clearly, the intervention the Labor government has implemented has failed,” Mr Last said.
Speaking in parliament, Mr Ryan said there had been significant changes in the way youth justice was dealt with in Townsville since TSCAG was formed. “Bail laws have been strengthened and they are showing early results, with more recidivist offenders being held in custody more often and for longer,” Mr Ryan said.
“In acknowledging the efforts of my colleague Minister Linard and her department, there is ongoing investment in youth justice resources and intervention programs in Townsville, including the successful joint police and youth justice co-responded teams and there are more police on the ground, with more on the way.
“As a result, the Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group’s key role now will be a revitalised focus on early intervention.”