Time in North for crime fix

Earlier this year, Jennifer Board was killed in a crash that allegedly occurred as a vigilante chased a stolen car.

Mr Katter said that having the ministers reside in the north would given them an opportunity to investigate new options for dealing with recidivist offenders.

“At a time of crisis, the general – in this case the ministers – in charge base themselves there in situ to properly assess and deal with the problem,” the Traeger MP said.

“We are of the firm view that the crime situation in North Queensland is indeed a crisis and the general, in this case, is finding it far too easy to avoid blame by basing themselves 1500km away in the state’s capital.”

Mr Katter said at the very least, having the ministers based in Townsville would send a message to the community that there was a genuine attempt to tackle the issues.

“We really want the three Townsville Labor MPS, and also those in Cairns, to stand with us on this as we are keen to work with them, but we must be uncompromising in terms of need for immediate action,” Mr Katter said.

“Last year we all sat down in good faith, trying to work with government at a roundtable meeting, but it has essentially led to nothing but a worsening of the problem.”

A state government spokesman said it took the concerns of residents seriously.

“That’s why ministers are very regularly in Townsville and other parts of regional Queensland, and why ministers will continue to be regularly in Townsville and other parts of regional Queensland.”

The spokesman said that since coming into government, it had supported increased community safety strategies including an extra 100 police, with more on the way; tough new youth bail laws; and increased youth justice intervention and prevention initiatives.