MPS back Qld crime plan

TOWNSVILLE’S Labor MPS have backed the state government’s attempt to stamp out youth crime in Queensland.

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said the Queensland Statisticians Office figures showed the number of youth offenders was down 30 per cent – the lowest in a decade.

“We remain focused on the small 10 per cent of offenders who commit nearly half of all crimes,” Mr Walker said.

“We will continue to back our police to catch offenders, and support effective programs to prevent youth crime.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the presumption against bail laws had resulted in offenders being remanded in custody more often and longer.

“Meanwhile it’s now been five months since (Mr) Thompson said the federal government would stump up crime prevention grants for local businesses – Townsville locals are yet to see a cent of this,” he said.