Having seen the impact years of youth crime has held over North Queensland communities, Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP says the Crisafulli Government’s introduction of the Making Queensland Safer Bill sends a clear message to victims of crime that they had been heard and their safety was a priority.

The Bill includes the legislating of Adult Crime, Adult Time and delivers on a key commitment to Queenslanders to restore community safety and turn the tide on the youth crime crisis right across North Queensland.

Under the proposed laws, the Youth Justice Act 1992 would be amended so young offenders committing particular crimes would be subject to the same penalties as adults. The tough provisions contained in the Bill complement plans for Early Intervention, crime prevention and effective rehabilitation to ensure fewer Queenslanders fall victim to crime.

Mr Last said community consultation on the Bill had begun this week with the committee travelling to communities that had long been considered epicentres for the state’s youth crime crisis.

“This Bill sends a clear message to victims of crime that they have been heard and that their rights to feel safe in their own homes matter,” Mr Last said.

“It also sends a clear message to young offenders that if they choose to commit serious offences, then the courts have the powers to impose the appropriate penalties to meet our communities’ expectations.

“I’m proud to be a part of a government that has taken the concerns raised by locals seriously and has prioritised the safety of people in our region,”

Mr Last said for years, victims of crime had been left feeling helpless and frustrated in the face of surging youth crime in their community.

“Time and time again I heard from victims who had been left physically scarred, emotionally traumatised and financially burdened by young offenders and I know just how much it will mean to those people to know that their rights are put first and that their voices have been heard by this government.”