Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024

Strongly supports the bill as delivering on the LNP's election commitment to implement Adult Crime, Adult Time laws, putting victims before offenders and introducing consequences for youth offenders.

“The very first bill this government introduced was Making Queensland Safer Laws because that is what our Premier David Crisafulli promised to the people of Queensland. We want to put victims first.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill representing businesses paying the price for youth crime, police carrying the burden, and families made victims who no longer feel safe in their homes in Keppel.

“On 26 October we gave voice to those who have felt abandoned and let down. Our businesses are paying the price, our police are unfairly carrying the burden and our families have become victims who no longer feel safe in their homes.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As Attorney-General, moved that the bill be read a second time and strongly defended the legislation as delivering the government's Adult Crime, Adult Time election commitment to restore community safety and put victims first.

“The Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024 is landmark legislation aimed at restoring the safety and security of our communities across Queensland. It delivers a fresh start for Queensland and implements some of our most important election commitments.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supports action on community safety and won't oppose the bill, but raises concerns about the rushed process, lack of police consultation, and the need for prevention alongside punishment.

“This Labor opposition 100 per cent backs the actions that we need to make Queensland safer. We rightfully feel genuine anger at those who hurt other Queenslanders.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Acknowledges the LNP mandate and Labor will not stand in their way, but concerned the bill makes substantial changes beyond the four-word slogan that may have unintended consequences not voted for by Queenslanders.

“The Labor opposition supports strong actions and tough laws to protect Queenslanders because everyone deserves to feel safe and must be safe in their homes, in their workplaces and in their communities.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As shadow Attorney-General, stated Labor will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences but raised significant concerns about unintended consequences including potential for victims to be cross-examined and removal of restorative justice options. Moved a second reading amendment to refer certain clauses back to committee.

“The Labor opposition accepts the outcome of the election and the views of the Queensland community that more needs to be done to ensure our community is safe. As the Leader of the Opposition has said, Labor will not stand in the way of the LNP increasing maximum sentences.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supports the bill citing alarming crime statistics in the Logan-Gold Coast region, including a 341% increase in unlawful use of vehicle offences by youth defendants.

“Queenslanders deserve to feel safe in their homes, workplaces and communities, but in communities across Queensland right now they do not. The Crisafulli government is putting the rights of victims ahead of offenders' rights.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill arguing safety is the primary obligation of government, sharing that 800 families joined his Stop Burleigh Crime campaign calling for stronger laws and more police.

“The people of Queensland have spoken and a new government in this new parliament will right these wrongs and make Queensland safe.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Supported Labor's position that the opposition will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences but raised concerns that the bill goes further than what the LNP took to the election and may have unintended consequences for victims.

“We have listened and we have heard the views of Queenslanders at the election. Labor will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences for youth offenders.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Acknowledges the desire for stronger measures but expresses serious concerns about the rushed process, unintended consequences, and capacity issues in youth detention centres and watch houses.

“Labor will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences for youth offenders but the bill, as outlined by many stakeholders, goes further than what the LNP took to the election.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Fully supports the bill and congratulates the government for acting swiftly, noting KAP has pushed these policies for years, but believes it does not go far enough without relocation sentencing, castle law, and minimum mandatory sentencing.

“We fully support what the LNP government is doing. Well done. While we commend them for that, three areas need to be added: relocation sentencing, castle law and minimum sentencing.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As former youth justice minister, raised concerns about rushed consultation, potential for victims to be cross-examined, removal of restorative justice conferencing, and lack of capacity modelling for detention centres. Supported Labor's amendment for further scrutiny.

“Expert after expert after expert after expert says that they are concerned about the impact on victims, then I would like to know what is the problem with going into February. We are not asking for a year; we are saying, as every single expert has asked, to please give us more time.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill, sharing a constituent story of a terrifying home invasion and arguing the need for consequences for actions.

“If you commit adult crimes, you should know that we have made the choice to ensure there are consequences for that behaviour. These laws are tough but Queenslanders have backed them.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill as a victim of youth crime himself, arguing Labor's weakening of youth justice laws created a generation of untouchables and the LNP will deliver justice for victims.

“The revolving door of Labor's failed youth justice system will forever be the legacy of those opposite.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Strongly opposed the bill, arguing it is incompatible with human rights, will not deter youth crime based on evidence, removes restorative justice options for victims, and will disproportionately impact First Nations children. Called for the entire bill to be sent back to committee.

“These laws do not just completely remove the already watered down principle of detention as a last resort. They say the court cannot even consider such a principle. This will, in essence, create a sentencing system where adults are better protected from arbitrary detention than children.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Acknowledges the election mandate and won't oppose the Adult Crime, Adult Time policy but raises concerns about the truncated committee process, unintended consequences, and police training.

“We are all on the same page when it comes to community safety. No-one wants to see someone impacted by crime... the opposition will not stand in the way of the government's proposal around Adult Crime, Adult Time.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Opposes the bill as deeply flawed, arguing it ignores evidence that punitive approaches increase reoffending, will disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and treats children as adults despite their developmental immaturity.

“This legislation was introduced with the promise of enhancing community safety, but I believe it will not do that, and many like myself believe that the proposed legislation is deeply flawed.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Criticised Labor's amendment as a delaying tactic driven by internal party division. Argued the provisions including removing detention as a last resort and prioritising victim impact were clearly taken to the election.

“What the public cannot tolerate anymore—the public has had enough of it—is children who offend and reoffend and then once they turn 18 it is like nothing has ever happened. People cannot accept that.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill, sharing stories of local business break-ins and citing over 8,000 offences in the Redlands community over 12 months.

“This bill sends a clear and firm message: crime will not be tolerated and victims will be prioritised.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Proud to support the bill as a key election commitment, arguing that after a decade of Labor's failures Queenslanders voted for change and strong laws that put victims' rights first.

“The aim of this landmark bill is to restore community safety in Queensland and turn the tide on the youth crime crisis.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Accused Labor of being a desperate opposition that failed to listen for 10 years. Supported the bill as necessary to restore community safety and praised the committee for its work despite the short timeframe.

“The government was given a clear mandate at the last state election to ensure these laws were passed and passed by Christmas with the purpose of restoring community safety in communities throughout Queensland.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill as a former police officer of 28 years, citing dramatic crime increases in Townsville including 199% increase in stolen vehicles and 287% increase in robberies.

“I stand proud to outline the LNP's multipronged approach to community safety... Through this landmark legislation, the Crisafulli LNP government will be introducing consequences for actions.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill while noting KAP has advocated for these policies since 2017, including adult crime adult time and removing detention as a last resort. Criticises LNP for not including attempted murder, rape, and accessory after murder in the listed offences.

“I want to remind those new members who think the LNP have all the answers that they should be thanking the KAP for actually putting these in the public sphere and road-testing them.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, strongly defended the bill as delivering on the government's mandate to put victims first. Thanked victims who advocated for the laws and rejected claims that victims would be cross-examined.

“Adult Crime, Adult Time will be law before Christmas. We on this side of the House are delivering consequences for action.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supports the bill as a good start but argues it does not go far enough. Advocates for remote relocation sentencing and details horrific crime statistics in Mount Isa.

“The position that the KAP has taken is that this is a good start. We welcome it in that respect... it is not just Mount Isa, either. According to the crime data, 99 per cent of Queensland suburbs and towns are safer than Mount Isa.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill, crediting the Adult Crime, Adult Time slogan for putting LNP in government and blaming Labor for ignoring youth crime for 10 years and weakening laws that allowed repeat offending.

“For 10 years—10 years—the Labor Party ignored the fact that crime was a serious issue out there, particularly in regional areas.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As committee chair and former police officer, strongly supported the bill. Drew on his policing experience to describe frustration with Labor's weak laws and argued the reforms would help police protect communities.

“The Making Queensland Safer Bill is the first step in turning around a completely broken system. I am proud to be part of a Crisafulli government that listens to the victims of crime and the community and takes action.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill, criticising the opposition for being divided and failing to support victims over the previous 10 years.

“We have a plan to make sure they do not become recidivists... We will keep our community safe. We will support victims. We will drive down insurance costs.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Opposes the bill as a lawyer with 30 years experience, arguing it goes too far, overrides human rights protections, is not evidence-based, and places Queensland outside international best practice on youth justice.

“The German word verschlimmbesserung sums up what this legislation will do. The meaning of that word is an intended improvement that makes things worse.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Acknowledged the government's mandate but raised concerns the bill goes beyond what was canvassed during the election. Criticised the lack of funding for police, courts and detention capacity to support the new laws.

“The LNP bill is not accompanied by a single dollar for our police, youth justice workers, corrections workers and the courts. There is no investment in detention capacity.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Criticises the rushed process and democratic concerns while acknowledging community safety issues.

“We have had four days of sitting and six or seven weeks since the election and we have seen them trash conventions of this place.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Respects the will of voters and does not oppose increased maximum sentences, but criticises many elements including removal of detention as a last resort for all children, removal of restorative justice options for victims, and inclusion of cautions in criminal histories.

“However, there are other elements contained within this bill that would have perverse outcomes for the very victims that it purports to serve and the community safety it claims to deliver.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As Police Minister and former police officer, strongly supported the bill. Criticised Labor's decade of failed youth justice policies and argued the bill fulfils the government's commitment to put victims first.

“This legislation will put a halt to the weak approach that has characterised the past decade of maladministration and ineffective laws.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Criticises the new government for cuts to services while acknowledging community safety concerns in his electorate.

“I will stand up and back them every single day of the week because I know that a Gladstone Hospital that has good staff and good people in it will make a better community for Gladstone.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Proudly supports the bill having campaigned to change youth justice laws, sharing harrowing stories from Townsville residents including victims of carjackings and home invasions who no longer feel safe.

“I am proud to support this law because the people of Townsville, like all Queenslanders, have the right to feel safe in their homes, at their work and in their communities.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Acknowledged community concern about crime and accepted the government has a mandate for Adult Crime, Adult Time. However, raised significant concerns about unintended consequences including impact on victims and the rushed consultation process.

“What is clear is that the Making Queensland Safer Bill makes substantial and wide-reaching changes to the justice and youth justice landscape in Queensland that were clearly not canvassed during the general election.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Focuses on criticising the transport minister rather than directly addressing the bill's substance.

“This minister is out of his depth and the Premier needs to consider why he put him in this role.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill without apology, arguing Queenslanders have backed the government to take strong action, and criticising Labor's weak laws that created a generation of untouchables with no deterrence.

“These laws are tough but Queenslanders have backed them. They have backed the Crisafulli government to take strong action to end the youth crime crisis terrorising communities across our state.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as representing her community which was the epicentre of the youth crime crisis. Praised the committee hearings in Townsville where victims shared their stories.

“Thuringowa, this is for you. Crime: yes, finally you have a member for Thuringowa who is not afraid to talk about crime.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Criticises the government's approach to rushing legislation and its impact on parliamentary conventions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“If the first parliamentary days of the Crisafulli LNP government are any indication of the culture and leadership of his government, then what Queensland can look forward to for the next four years is one very bad penny.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences but believes the bill will not make Queenslanders safer, citing extensive expert evidence warning of unintended consequences and concerns about ending restorative justice.

“I sincerely believe the laws before the House will actually not meet the LNP promise of keeping Queenslanders safe. I do believe there are elements of the bill that will undermine protection for victims.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As a victim of violent crime herself, strongly opposed the bill. Argued prisons are criminogenic and will lead to more violence and victims. Raised concerns about capacity, removal of restorative justice options, and impact on First Nations children.

“This bill is not about rehabilitation or better outcomes; this bill is retribution. Until we see all kids as part of our communities deserving of safety and care, we stand no chance of making our communities safer.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Criticises the government's approach to energy policy but does not directly address the bill's youth justice provisions.

“The big question is: what is the Crisafulli government's plan to meet our legislated targets—targets that those opposite agreed to when in opposition?”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill representing the voices of Central Queensland, sharing stories of residents living in fear, business owners repeatedly victimised, and families traumatised by home invasions.

“I have heard loud and clear their call to government for restoration of consequences for actions and to bring assurance that through adequate sentencing, perpetrators of crime will be dissuaded from repeat offending.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as delivering the government's election promise. Cited examples of youth crime in his electorate and highlighted the government's investment in early intervention and rehabilitation programs alongside the tougher laws.

“These laws are tough. We put them to the people of Queensland at the last election and Queenslanders have backed them in; they have entrusted us to deliver on them.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Spoke during Private Members' Statements about men's issues rather than directly on the bill, but KAP supported the bill in the final vote.

“Males are more than three times more likely to die by suicide than females in Australia.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Acknowledges the mandate for increased maximum sentences but expresses concern about removing detention as a last resort for all children, sharing stories of vulnerable young people and emphasising the need for early intervention alongside consequences.

“If young people commit serious crimes then it is appropriate that they face serious consequences. We acknowledge that. We understand that. However, we cannot just lock up young people.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as putting victims first and restoring consequences for actions. Referenced the 98% increase in youth offences over 10 years under Labor and argued this bill corrects the failed policies of the previous government.

“Our team—the LNP government—is unashamedly putting victims first and putting the rights of the community and community safety first as the top priority of this government, and that is as it should be.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Spoke on the bill in his capacity as Leader of the House, supporting the government's legislative agenda.

“I seek to advise the House of the government's legislative program.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports strong action and tough laws but criticises the rushed process, citing extensive expert and stakeholder concerns about unintended consequences, human rights violations, and disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

“The Labor caucus will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences for youth offenders; however, Queenslanders did not vote for matters that will put Queenslanders in harm's way through those unintended consequences.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, citing extensive youth crime impacts in his rural electorate including Goondiwindi. Argued the community expects offenders to be locked up to prevent reoffending and criticised experts who advocated for softer approaches.

“The people of Goondiwindi, Millmerran, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Killarney, Inglewood and Texas are entitled to sleep safe in their beds at night. If the way to achieve that is to lock up a recidivist offender so they cannot reoffend every night then that is what we must do.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Opposes the bill as rushed legislation with dangerous unintended consequences, arguing the LNP used youth crime as a political tool and the bill overreaches beyond the election mandate.

“There is no mandate for this bill. I accept that there is community support for a four-word slogan—Adult Crime, Adult Time—but this bill goes further. It overreaches. It has been identified by stakeholders as dangerous legislation.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Accepted the election outcome and that more needs to be done but raised significant concerns about unintended consequences including victims being cross-examined, a system harsher on children than adults, and removal of restorative justice.

“The Bar Association stated that, while they will generally support evidence-based law reform, there is no evidence to suggest that this bill will fulfil its titular object of making Queensland safer.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill citing a recent case where a 15-year-old killed three people in his community and the inadequacy of current sentencing.

“Queenslanders are tired of living in fear. This is why I believe in Adult Crime, Adult Time, consequences for actions, removing detention as a last resort and gold standard early intervention.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

As Education Minister, supported the bill and highlighted youth crime impacts on the Gold Coast. Emphasised the government's investment in early intervention and rehabilitation programs alongside the tougher laws.

“Youth crime is not just about statistics; it is about people. It is about the small business owner who is repeatedly targeted. It is about the family whose sense of security has been shattered by a home invasion.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supports strong action but raises concerns about the rushed process and lack of consultation, noting even the Queensland Homicide Victims' Support Group urged the government not to rush the legislation.

“Labor's amendments to the bill are responsible. They are moved in good faith to try to improve the outcomes of the legislation and its operation in our communities.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Shared multiple examples of youth crime affecting families in his electorate. Argued the decade-old changes to the Youth Justice Act created a group who consider themselves untouchable and supported the bill as delivering meaningful consequences.

“These laws should be passed. They put consequences for actions at the centre of the youth justice system but in a balanced way. It invests heavily in the lives of offenders to give them every chance to make better choices in their future.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supports the bill as restoring safety, justice and accountability, sharing his own experience as a victim of youth crime and praising local intervention programs.

“These laws declare that we will restore safety to our communities and ensure those who break the law face appropriate consequences.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Stated Labor supports strong action on crime but raised concerns about unintended consequences including removal of restorative justice, children potentially being worse off than adults, and victims being cross-examined. Criticised the rushed process.

“There is no doubt, from the small amount of time the committee had, that there are unintended consequences in this bill.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly supports the bill, arguing crime in Far North Queensland is damaging communities and driving away tourists, with repeat youth offenders causing significant harm.

“In Far North Queensland, the thing that scares us most of all are 10- to 17-year-olds who are repeat youth offenders. Our tourists are being robbed by day and by night.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill as important and history-making legislation to address youth crime.

“I rise today to speak on this important and history-making legislation.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

As Opposition Leader, acknowledges the election mandate but opposes the rushed process and provisions beyond what was taken to the election.

“I rise to address the Making Queensland Safer Bill.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill as a former police officer, emphasising the need for consequences for actions.

“I stand to speak on the Making Queensland Safer Bill... because of the clear mandate given to this government by the people of Queensland on 26 October.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill, speaking about the need for strong action on youth crime.

“I rise to speak to the Making Queensland Safer Bill.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Raises concerns about children losing chances for rehabilitation, the importance of family intervention, and the rushed process, while acknowledging community safety concerns.

“No child is born bad. I do not believe any parent sets out to do a bad job, either... There are some elements of this bill I would like to see amended.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill as delivering on the mandate Queenslanders gave the LNP at the October election to act on youth crime.

“The Liberal National Party is making those changes. They wanted these individuals to be held to account for their actions... Today we draw a line in the sand to say 'enough is enough'.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Opposes the bill's rushed process, criticising the lack of consultation and the introduction of last-minute amendments as evidence of a shambolic process.

“It has been such a shambolic process that we have seen pages of amendments at the last minute from a government making it up as they go along.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supports the bill, highlighting the impact of youth crime on Indigenous communities in his electorate and sharing support from community leaders.

“A former mayor of NPARC, an elder and a father of children sent me a text today which said: Vote for the bill for offenders. I'm in full support.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

As Attorney-General, delivered the reply speech strongly supporting the bill as delivering on election promises to put victims first and restore community safety.

“The Making Queensland Safer Bill delivers on our promise to Queenslanders to restore community safety and to turn the tide on youth crime.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard