Strengthening Community Safety Bill 2023

Supported the bill as part of the government's youth justice strategy, emphasising early intervention programs while acknowledging the need for consequences. Defended the government's record on youth justice investment and criticised the LNP's cuts to programs when in government.

“Youth justice is a complex area with no simple solution. There are many contributing factors behind what leads a young person to make a wrong and sometimes devastating decision, and the pain of victims is real.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill as addressing youth crime while supporting young people. Praised community programs and thanked ministers for listening to community concerns.

“We want to ensure that we are safe in our own homes and that our young people are given the support they need. This bill will do that.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

As the responsible minister, moved that the bill be read a second time and defended all provisions including breach of bail, the Serious Repeat Offender Declaration Scheme, and increased penalties for motor vehicle offences.

“This government is committed to ensuring our community is kept safe and that serious repeat youth offenders are held to account.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill but criticised the government for taking eight years to reinstate breach of bail, which the LNP had long advocated for. Argued the bill does not go far enough and accused the government of being soft on crime and rushing the legislation for political purposes.

“The reason juvenile justice is out of control in the state of Queensland is the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill from 2015. What were the policy objectives of that bill? To remove breach of bail as an offence for children and to reinstate the principle that detention should be a last resort.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Criticised the government for adopting LNP's breach of bail policy after years of opposition. Argued the bill does not deliver what the Premier promised and will not result in the 14-year sentences claimed.

“This is yet another plan, with 10 points, in addition to the plans announced in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021—that is, 26 points in total—and the 47-point youth justice strategy of 2019 to 2023. Queenslanders cannot have faith in Labor solving youth crime.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

The LNP will not oppose the bill but criticised it as falling well short of what is required. Argued the government copied the LNP's breach of bail policy after years of opposing it, and that the maximum penalties promised by the Premier cannot actually be applied due to Youth Justice Act limitations.

“The LNP will not be opposing this bill; however, it is abundantly clear that it falls well short of what is required to address juvenile crime in this state.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill, highlighting both early intervention and targeting of serious repeat offenders. Criticised the LNP's record on youth justice including boot camp cost blowouts and praised the government's whole-of-government approach to addressing underlying causes of youth crime.

“This delivers on our philosophy of supporting victims, reducing crime, turning the lives of offenders themselves around and indeed preventing offending in the first place.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Spoke about Transition 2 Success program helping young people and the need to address root causes of youth crime while not excusing criminal behaviour.

“Of course, we know that we cannot make excuses for acts of crime. We cannot make excuses when a young person goes out and commits any act of crime—especially a violent act of crime—but we must address the reasons why these situations occur.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Defended the bill as committed to strengthening laws while also tackling the complex causes of youth crime through early intervention programs, and criticised the LNP's amendment to remove detention as a last resort.

“We are committed to reducing reoffending behaviour among children and to delivering evidence-based interventions that address a young person's individual risks and needs, because intervening early is proven to help break the cycle of reoffending.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Acknowledged youth crime is a major problem requiring action but criticised the bill as a 'one size fits all' bandaid approach. Questioned the effectiveness of increased penalties when judges do not enforce existing maximums and called for locally-driven, community-based solutions rather than top-down approaches.

“What point is there in increasing a maximum penalty when the judges are not even prepared to enforce the existing ones? Unless the government is prepared to legislate for minimum sentences, the whole thing is a waste of time.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Strongly criticised the bill as inadequate, arguing the Premier's promised 14-year sentences cannot be delivered. Shared stories of crime victims in her electorate and called for tougher measures.

“That has all come unstuck this week, hasn't it? Because we know that one of the principal parts of the Premier's so-called 10-point plan—after all of the other point plans she has announced in the past—cannot even work.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

As Leader of the Opposition, criticised the government for failing to deliver what the Premier promised, arguing the legislation does not actually increase maximum penalties as claimed. Called for removing detention as a last resort and gold standard early intervention.

“What did the Premier mean when she said on 27 December, 'Violent juvenile car thieves will face 14 years jail'? That is not the case. That is just not the case.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill, particularly welcoming measures to support victims including funding for home security upgrades for older Queenslanders and increased funding for Victim Assist Queensland. Defended investment in diversion programs as being about preventing future victims.

“Labor's focus on investments in diversion and offender rehabilitation programs is deeply and profoundly about victims. It is about preventing further crime and preventing people becoming victims in the first place.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Highlighted local youth programs and community organisations working with at-risk young people. Emphasised the importance of early intervention alongside legislative measures.

“REKON offer community connection, diversionary programs, mentoring and training. Their mission is to empower young people to lead successful lives and to build a thriving community.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

As Minister for Children and Youth Justice, defended the bill's measures including the serious repeat offender declaration, breach of bail provisions, and the government's investment in intensive case management and co-responder teams.

“Our government's top priority is community safety. All Queenslanders have the right to feel safe and that is what this bill is about.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill but heavily criticised the government for taking eight years to bring back breach of bail after campaigning against it. Argued the bill does not go far enough and that detention as a last resort should be removed to unshackle judges.

“Finally, after years of seeing disastrous crime after crime in communities all across Queensland, this government have accepted there is in fact a huge crime problem and they are in fact responsible for it.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Argued the government created the current youth crime crisis by watering down laws in 2016. Criticised the bill for not matching the Premier's promises on sentencing.

“We see the legislation that we are debating here and it is not even close to what the Premier has committed to the people of Queensland.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Criticised the government for weakening youth justice laws since 2015 and argued the bill does not deliver what the Premier promised. Supported the bill but expressed fear it will not solve the problem because Labor's heart is not in these amendments.

“Labor does not really believe in these changes. Their heart is just not in it.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill, emphasising her professional background in victim support. Highlighted the importance of listening to victims' needs including dignity, being heard, and having safety restored. Welcomed the review of the Victims of Crime Assistance Act.

“Ultimately, there is one sentiment that all victims of crime unanimously share. That is that no-one else has to experience what they have experienced.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Criticised the bill for not delivering the Premier's promised 14-year sentences due to Youth Justice Act limitations. Noted maximum sentences under magistrates and judges are much lower.

“No violent juvenile car thief will face 14 years jail as a result of this legislation.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

As committee chair, explained the bill's provisions and emphasised that the measures are part of a broader response including investment in diversion and rehabilitation. Acknowledged the bill balances competing rights.

“We recognise that serious repeat offenders are not just hurting their victims; they often induce and pressure others to engage in dangerous and hurtful acts.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill but argued changes made by the government since 2015 weakened laws and made communities less safe. Called for removing detention as a last resort, an audit of early intervention programs, and praised local community groups working on youth issues.

“The LNP has consistently advocated on behalf of Queenslanders for this government to be tougher on crime so that our communities are safer.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill, sharing personal experience as a crime victim. Paid tribute to victims and to police, youth justice officers and community workers.

“The Queensland government understands the impact that youth crime is having on our community. That is why tougher action is being taken to further protect community safety and to tackle the complex issues of youth crime.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Will support the amendments but criticised the bill as falling well short, arguing the government has mislead Queenslanders about maximum penalties and failed to remove detention as a last resort or deliver gold standard early intervention.

“Let me be clear, I will support the amendments proposed in this bill, but I give this warning to the state government: this bill falls well short.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Did not oppose the bill but criticised it as being driven by politics rather than genuine policy work. Shared constituent stories about crime impacts and accused the government of introducing breach of bail only to ease political pressure from the LNP rather than to help victims.

“These laws have been botched from the very start. The Premier's announcement in late December, which included differences in penalties to what we have before us, showed that this is all about media management.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Criticised the government for watering down youth justice laws and then adopting LNP policies. Highlighted the Premier's false promise of 14-year sentences and lack of expert consultation.

“The watering down of youth justice legislation by this Labor government when it took office has created a generation of repeat hard-core youth offenders who know that their rights outweigh the rights of victims.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Drew on her police background to support the bill, emphasising it is part of a larger youth justice strategy and noting the role of social media in driving youth offending behaviour.

“We on this side of the House want to see a safe and prosperous Queensland for all Queenslanders where young people on the wrong path can be diverted where possible and engaged in their community, not ostracised, not humiliated and not shamed.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill while emphasising young people need leadership, boundaries and to be kept busy. Called for auditing preventive services and highlighted reduced police numbers in Southport. Argued for consistency in laws and clear consequences.

“We need to set clear boundaries and expectations. Laws need to mean something, and that is why provisions like breach of bail—hopefully to be used sparingly—need to be in place, so that offenders know that the laws are real and that we are serious about our position on crime.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Supported the bill as striking the right balance between accountability and addressing complex causes of youth crime. Welcomed the $332 million investment package.

“Overall, this bill strikes the right balance. While statistically youth crime rates are declining, the majority of young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system do not offend again following diversion.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Argued the bill does not go far enough and is a knee-jerk reaction to polling problems. Supported breach of bail but criticised the retention of detention as a last resort, predicting further legislation would be needed.

“Unfortunately, those opposite have not addressed the major problem in the changes to the Youth Justice Act. We support all the other measures.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill but criticised having to debate youth crime legislation repeatedly since 2016 due to the government watering down laws. Emphasised the importance of early intervention programs while also ensuring consequences for actions.

“I applaud the government for finally listening to the LNP and bringing in breach of bail as an offence. That is important, but we need to empower our magistrates and give them the option to not use incarceration as a last resort if they feel that the individual will potentially cause harm to somebody else.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Explicitly stated LNP supports breach of bail provisions but criticised the government for taking too long to adopt LNP policy and for previous failures on youth crime.

“The LNP supports the provisions in this bill to make breach of bail an offence. It is good policy. That is why we have been relentless in pushing the government to do it.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Supported the bill as putting community safety first and thanked ministers for supporting programs in his electorate including co-responder teams and high-visibility patrols.

“This bill is legislation that acknowledges the impact that youth crime is having on our community. That is why these new youth laws will be tougher than those anywhere else in Australia.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Opposed the bill, arguing it will mean more crime and more broken lives. Stated the evidence shows detention makes children more likely to reoffend and that Queensland already has the toughest youth justice laws in Australia. Called for focus on housing, education, healthcare and First Nations-led solutions instead.

“Based on the evidence, these changes to youth justice laws will mean more crime and more broken lives. The government already knows this. Labor knows this because their own youth justice strategy says it.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Stated KAP will support the bill but expressed disappointment it does not go far enough. Highlighted Mount Isa's severe crime problems and tabled KAP amendments for stronger measures.

“At the outset, I will say that the KAP will support the bill although we are not excited about it. It seems criminally irresponsible to use this bill as a response to the enormous momentum and demand for meaningful change that has built up in the public.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Acknowledged the bill is a first step but argued much more is needed. Supported breach of bail being adopted from LNP policy but called for removing detention as a last resort and implementing gold standard early interventions.

“Sadly, this bill falls short of what is needed, and we on this side of the House will continue in our endeavours to repair youth crime laws in Queensland.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Reluctantly supported the bill despite questioning whether it will create greater safety, noting submissions stating there is no evidence tough-on-crime measures improve community safety. Called for relocation sentencing as a fourth option and longer-term solutions addressing underlying causes.

“Even though there is no clear indication that this bill will assist, except possibly in the immediacy, I will support it in deep frustration and desperation; however, I seek from the government that this will not be seen as the answer.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

As former police officer, criticised the 2015 law changes and current bill for not delivering promised penalties. Spoke about Together 4341 early intervention program in his electorate.

“The LNP is listening to Queenslanders and we are hearing Queenslanders and their fear of crime right across the state.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

As Deputy Premier, defended the bill as giving police and courts the right tools while also investing in prevention and early intervention programs proven to make a difference.

“Every Queenslander deserves to feel safe in their home and in their community. Our priority is to put community safety first.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

As Police Minister, replied in support of the bill, defending the government's approach and investment in programs proven to work. Corrected claims that the LNP introduced breach of bail, stating it never existed under their laws. Outlined victim support measures and thanked officials involved in developing the bill.

“The reality is: the LNP never legislated a breach of bail offence. They had a failed offence called 'finding of guilt while on bail'. They tried to bring back this failed offence in 2020.”— 2023-03-16View Hansard

Spoke in support of the bill, emphasising community safety as his top priority. Thanked the Economics and Governance Committee for holding hearings in Townsville.

“I also want to reassure the people in the seat of Mundingburra that their safety is my No. 1 priority. Everyone has the right to be safe not just in their home; they should also be safe when going about their everyday business.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Drew on his police background to criticise the government's history of weakening youth justice laws since 2015. Supported the bill but argued it was needed because of the government's failed soft-on-crime regime.

“The question is: why did the government impose this social experiment, its soft-on-crime regime, on Queenslanders and where has that ended up?”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Criticised the Premier for not recalling parliament in January and for promising penalties the bill cannot deliver. Cited Sunshine Coast crime statistics during the Premier's absence.

“Maximum penalties will be less than what the Premier promised. Car theft will be a maximum seven years imprisonment, not the promised 10 years.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Supported the bill and emphasised the importance of both legislative changes and investment in programs that divert children away from crime, including intensive case management.

“Legislative changes that are being debated this week strengthen and build on the operation of some of Queensland's current youth justice and criminal laws.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Defended the bill against LNP criticism, arguing the opposition offers slogans not solutions. Criticised LNP's record of cutting intervention programs when in government.

“What I can say is that those opposite have offered nothing—all slogans, no solutions; all politics, no policies.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Criticised the government for taking too long to act and questioned whether they truly believe in the reforms. Tabled the shadow minister's amendments to remove detention as a last resort and called for early intervention programs that work.

“Do they even believe in what they are proposing? Are we to seriously believe the media reports that say it was a PowerPoint presentation from the police minister that persuaded the government to adopt our policy on breach of bail?”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Criticised the short consultation time and argued the bill attempts to undo damage from Labor's previous legislation. Noted maximum sentences cannot be achieved under current Youth Justice Act.

“This bill was not the result of the Palaszczuk government being proactive in regard to youth crime activity; this was as a result of the rising anger in the community at the lack of competence and the complete failure of this Palaszczuk government to enforce law and order.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, particularly the breach of bail provisions and the serious repeat offender declaration. Defended his advocacy for change and criticised the LNP for dividing the community with politically motivated campaigns.

“Community safety is absolutely paramount. The breach of bail provisions that we are putting in have teeth. If people offend, they will be put in custody.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Spoke in support, emphasising the government's commitment to community safety and holding serious repeat offenders accountable while tackling complex causes of youth crime.

“This government is committed to ensuring our communities are kept safe and that serious repeat offenders are held to account.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Criticised the government for spending over $1 billion with no improvement, calling the bill another failed dot point plan. Argued the government should remove detention as a last resort to allow magistrates to properly do their job.

“The final step is to take away detention as a last resort. They should be fair dinkum and if they want the magistrates to do what the Deputy Premier and the police minister said they should do then give them the power and the ability to do that.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Argued the bill does not deliver promised penalties and the government cannot be trusted on youth crime. Criticised previous government statements that breach of bail would not work.

“The government has not been up-front with Queenslanders and cannot be trusted to solve the youth crime crisis affecting our safety.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Supported the bill and acknowledged the committee's work on examining support for victims of crime, including recommendations to review the Victims of Crime Assistance Act.

“I am so glad that the bill has such strong support and I commend it to the House.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the bill and criticised politics of fear. Emphasised the complex environment young people face today and the need for whole-of-community approaches.

“There is nothing to be gained by any Queenslander playing a game that is politics of fear.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Criticised the government for failing to deliver promised laws and for its comprehensive failure on youth justice policy since 2015. Supported restoring breach of bail and implementing meaningful early intervention programs.

“A youth justice system that is fair, efficient and effective is essential for maintaining social order and reducing crime, and this has to be the focus and standard of delivery of the Palaszczuk state Labor government.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Criticised the Premier for promising harsher penalties not reflected in the legislation. Argued eight years of Labor policy failures have created hardened young criminals.

“The Premier has misled Queenslanders already. This is after eight years in the job. She is dropping the ball and ignoring the genuine fear of Queenslanders.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Drew on 23 years of teaching experience to support the bill, emphasising the complex factors affecting youth offenders including trauma, neglect, and cognitive impairment, and the need for evidence-based long-term solutions.

“All Queenslanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and in their community. We need to protect our children, protect our homes and protect our communities.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Spoke in support, acknowledging constituents' concerns about crime. Emphasised that early intervention is key and these reforms respond to community voices.

“These changes to Queensland's youth crime legislation are in no small part the result of you all voicing your concerns. The reforms we will be voting on today are proof that we are all listening and we are acting.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Criticised the bill as too little, too late and a propaganda bill that will do little to address the crisis. Announced the KAP would introduce amendments including removal of detention as a last resort, mandatory minimum sentencing, and relocation sentencing.

“Sadly, this bill falls under the category of too little, too late. The government has completely ignored pleas from Queenslanders to fix youth crime over the past eight years.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Heavily criticised the Youth Justice Act and detention as a last resort principle. Argued the amendments will not significantly change outcomes and called for mandatory sentencing.

“Even after these amendments are put in place, I do not think there will be much of a change. These children who have interactions with the QPS are let off with a warning.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Praised the bill and commended the police minister for listening to community concerns. Emphasised the whole-of-government approach and the work of local police.

“It is important that we as a whole community—not just Labor, the LNP, or whoever—make sure that people feel safe at home, on the street and at work. That is what this bill does.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Spoke in support, noting community safety is a key government priority. Emphasised targeting the 17 per cent of young offenders who commit 50 per cent of crimes.

“Community safety is a key priority of the Palaszczuk government and these new laws are a critical step in the right direction.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Welcomed changes including breach of bail and electronic monitoring but supported the shadow minister's amendment to remove detention as a last resort. Called for more investment in early intervention and greater accountability.

“I welcome the changes being made in the bill, particularly the amendments to the Bail Act 1980 and the Youth Justice Act 1992 as well as the amendments to the Criminal Code.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Highlighted serious crime problems in Goondiwindi including assaults. Announced plans for a town hall meeting to hear community concerns about youth crime.

“I would like to say at the outset that this is a bill which is really important to my communities, particularly the community of Goondiwindi which has had a really hard time with crime in the last couple of years.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Supported the bill and highlighted the success of youth co-responder teams in Rockhampton, along with programs like Project Booyah and Transition 2 Success.

“I believe that this bill not only addresses youth crime, particularly recidivist offenders, but also provides support services to assist our youth to make better choices.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Cited crime statistics showing dramatic increases in unlawful entry and car theft since 2015 compared to LNP government period. Criticised Labor's ideological approach to youth justice.

“In 2022 it rose to 1,821, a 147 per cent increase and two and a half times what it was when the LNP left government. It would appear that the evidence that we were looking for was misguided at best.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Criticised the government's record over eight years and argued the bill was an example of policy on the run driven by political problems rather than genuine commitment to community safety.

“The simple facts of the matter are that we have been saying repeatedly that breach of bail is not a silver bullet but is part and parcel of a package of reforms that need to be adopted by the Labor government.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Praised the bill while acknowledging most youth are good people. Highlighted local programs including Project Booyah and Transition 2 Success helping at-risk youth.

“The Strengthening Community Safety Bill is a great bill, and the majority of the youth in Queensland are great young people.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Argued Labor's 2015 changes created the current generation of youth offenders. Criticised ministers for previously saying breach of bail would not work before adopting it.

“We now have a generation of youth offenders stealing cars, breaking into homes, stealing and assaulting victims and police. We now have a generation of youth offenders who do not know what consequences are for their actions all because this Labor government watered down the youth justice laws.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Described the bill as an insipid response to Queensland's youth crime crisis. Argued Queenslanders feel abandoned by the government and the Premier failed to act in January.

“Here we are debating the Palaszczuk Labor government's latest insipid response to Queensland's youth crime crisis, a crisis that is gripping communities from Coolangatta to Cairns.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard

Criticised the government for blocking LNP's breach of bail amendment in 2021 then adopting identical policy. Called for mandatory sentences and removal of detention as a last resort.

“This government blocked that amendment, saying that breach of bail did not work. Yet, in this legislation, it has copied that amendment word for word. It is exactly the same amendment that all members opposite blocked in 2021.”— 2023-03-15View Hansard