Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024

Spoke as Deputy Premier in strong support of the bill, arguing it introduces consequences for actions, puts victims before offenders, and reverses Labor's 2015 weakening of youth justice laws that created a generation of repeat offenders.

“It is an absolute pleasure to speak in support of the Making Queensland Safer Bill, a commitment the LNP took to the people of Queensland to make Queenslanders safe.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Spoke passionately about his family's experience as victims of youth crime, strongly supporting the bill as delivering the LNP's election promise of Adult Crime, Adult Time before Christmas.

“We took our Adult Crime, Adult Time policy to the election with a promise of legislating our Making Queensland Safer Laws before Christmas. We will deliver that promise.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As shadow Attorney-General, opposed the bill arguing it substantially went beyond what was canvassed during the election, moved an amendment, and criticised the mandatory sentencing provisions and removal of judicial discretion.

“I, and the Labor opposition, and indeed all members, recognise the pain that is caused by the consequences of crime. One victim is one too many.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Stated Labor 100 per cent backs actions needed to make Queensland safer and will not stand in the way, but raised significant concerns about police capacity for holding offenders in watch houses and the rushed consultative process.

“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

Expressed deep concern about the bill, questioning whether it would actually make Queensland safer and arguing it disregards fundamental principles about children's development and would disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

“I rise today to express deep concern about the Queensland government's Making Queensland Safer Bill. I ask the question: will it really make us safer?”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Opposed the bill and spoke in support of the ALP amendment, criticising the LNP government's approach and questioning whether the Attorney-General was across the detail of her own bill.

“It is very clear from that very embarrassing contribution from the member for Nanango that she actually is not across the bill and she is not across the clauses.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supported the bill, putting on record concerns of the Coomera electorate about the youth crime crisis and the need to hold young offenders accountable with appropriate penalties.

“I rise to put on record my concerns and the concerns of the people of the Coomera electorate about the youth crime crisis that has instilled fear into many Queenslanders.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as a key LNP election commitment to restore community safety and crack down on serious youth offenders, criticising Labor's previous youth justice reforms.

“I am proud to rise in this House as part of a fresh, united LNP team that has the right plan for Queensland. The Making Queensland Safer Bill is a key commitment our government brought to the election.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As a former police officer, strongly supported the bill implementing the 'Adult Crime, Adult Time' policy, arguing the former Labor government weakened laws and created the youth crime crisis.

“These laws will finally help the police in their pursuit of the protection of the people of Queensland.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Stated Labor will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences for youth offenders but argued the bill goes further than what the LNP took to the election, with stakeholders raising concerns about unintended consequences.

“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

Supported the bill, noting KAP had been advocating for Adult Crime, Adult Time and removing detention as a last resort since 2019. Questioned why attempted murder and rape were excluded from the prescribed offences list.

“In 2022, we started speaking publicly and in this House around 'adult crime, adult time'. It was on 4 July 2023 that we put our policy to the public and we listed the prescribed crimes that have now been picked up.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Opposed the bill, acknowledging the election mandate but arguing the legislation substantially went beyond what was canvassed during the campaign and lacked evidence-based approaches.

“The government took a slogan to the election and produced a 52-page document that significantly changes the justice and the youth justice legislative landscape here in Queensland.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Stated the opposition will not stand in the way of the government's Adult Crime, Adult Time proposal but raised significant concerns about unintended consequences and lack of proper process.

“That is why the opposition will not stand in the way of the government's proposal around Adult Crime, Adult Time. It took that to the election and Queenslanders voted.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, crediting the Adult Crime, Adult Time policy with putting the LNP in government, and citing the impact of youth crime on his electorate including repeat offenders in a revolving door through Magistrates Court.

“Adult Crime, Adult Time—a so-called slogan that we have turned into legislation here in this House.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Opposed key elements of the bill while acknowledging community concerns about crime, arguing the approach lacked evidence and would not reduce offending.

“Whether it is through direct conversations, emails or representations, many members of my community have been clear with me that they are deeply concerned with what is happening in our community.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Spoke in strong support of the bill, sharing stories of crime impacts in the Redlands community and declaring pride in supporting the laws.

“I rise today to speak in strong support of the Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as landmark legislation, drawing on his experience as a former police officer to argue for stronger consequences for youth offenders and criticising Labor's 72-hour post-release support as inadequate.

“This bill is a wonderful start and a change for Queensland.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering on the government's election commitment to address the youth crime crisis, speaking from the perspective of a regional North Queensland electorate.

“The people of Thuringowa voted for change and they voted for a government that would take action on youth crime.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supported the bill, citing 289,657 victims of crime in Queensland in the last calendar year and outlining the LNP's multipronged approach including early intervention investment and 12-month post-detention rehabilitation.

“On the 26th of October, they gave the Crisafulli LNP government a clear mandate to deliver tough laws that deal with hardcore recidivist offenders.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Opposed the bill, using the German word verschlimmbesserung (an intended improvement that makes things worse) to describe the legislation. Raised concerns about lack of evidence supporting the changes and potential negative consequences for victims.

“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

Strongly opposed the bill, arguing it would lead to a more violent state, violate human rights, and remove options and rights for victims of violent crime through mandatory sentencing and removal of judicial discretion.

“If this bill was offering a credible solution towards improving community safety, I would have no problem at all standing here and supporting it today, but the reality is that this bill, despite its slogan headline, will ultimately lead to a very violent state.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supported the bill, acknowledging the need for a circuit breaker and noting KAP had been identifying the youth crime issue since at least 2017, particularly the disproportionate impact on North Queensland.

“I acknowledge that we need a circuit breaker in the parliament to get some change. The KAP members of parliament have been identifying this issue at least since 2017.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Acknowledged the community's desire for stronger laws and stated she did not stand to oppose elements of the bill, but raised significant concerns about rushed process, lack of scrutiny, and unintended consequences including net widening for children with minor offences.

“Regardless, there are elements of this bill that I do not stand to oppose. As I said from the outset, I respect the will of the people and the voices of the victims who have called for more or different action in respect of serious and repeat offenders.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting that youth offences increased by around 98 per cent over the previous decade under Labor and arguing the current approach had clearly failed.

“The fact is that the number of youth offences has increased by around 98 per cent over the last decade.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, criticising Labor for being in disarray on youth crime and unable to decide whether to support victims.

“Even after 10 years of being an incompetent Labor government, those opposite are in total disarray when it comes to youth crime.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, sharing harrowing stories from Townsville residents affected by youth crime including an 81-year-old woman dragged by carjackers, and arguing the laws are needed to restore community safety.

“I am proud to rise in this chamber today to support the Making Queensland Safer Laws because I, like all of the residents of my wonderful electorate of Townsville, want to see fewer victims of crime.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as necessary to address the youth crime crisis and protect regional communities.

“The people of Queensland voted for this change and we are delivering on our promise.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Strongly criticised the bill as rushed and dangerous, arguing there is no mandate for legislation that goes far beyond the four-word slogan. Said the bill contains danger, unintended consequences and error.

“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 well beyond that.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, arguing the Crisafulli government makes no apologies for delivering Adult Crime, Adult Time by Christmas, and citing a 64 per cent increase in serious repeat offenders since 2019 under Labor.

“The Crisafulli government makes no apologies for delivering on our commitment to Queenslanders that Adult Crime, Adult Time will be law by Christmas.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

As former Attorney-General, opposed the bill and criticised the mandatory sentencing provisions as unlikely to reduce crime.

“Mandatory sentencing does not work to reduce crime.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Briefly spoke about the youth crime crisis affecting Maryborough and the Fraser Coast, citing the case of a 15-year-old whose actions killed three people.

“The youth crime crisis has affected my community, my electorate and the Fraser Coast region.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Stated Labor will not stand in the way of increasing maximum sentences, but expressed concern the laws may make the system worse and raised criticisms from stakeholders including Bravehearts and the Queensland Mental Health Commission about the rushed process and lack of evidence.

“As we have heard from our Labor members, we will not stand in the way of the LNP increasing maximum sentences. That meets the needs of people in society.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing stories from constituents who had been victims of youth crime and arguing the legislation was needed to protect communities.

“I have lost count of the number of older people who, after being repeatedly broken into, are now fearful to go to sleep in their home.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Stated Labor supports strong action and tough laws but raised serious reservations about process and scope, noting stakeholders raised concerns about unintended consequences and the committee did not have time to review all submissions.

“The Labor opposition supports strong action and tough laws that have the practical effect of protecting Queenslanders.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Represented the voices of Central Queensland communities, sharing extensive stories from victims including a motor vehicle repairer who suffered over $250,000 in damages from five acts of crime and could no longer get insurance.

“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

Opposed the bill while emphasising that Labor also supports strong action to protect Queenslanders, criticising the late-night sitting to debate such important legislation.

“The Labor opposition supports strong action and laws that protect Queenslanders. We passed some of those laws. Everyone deserves to feel safe and must be safe.”— 2024-12-10View Hansard

Supported the bill as reflecting the mandate entrusted by Queenslanders, arguing it addresses systemic failures of the previous government and restores accountability.

“This bill reflects the mandate entrusted to us by Queenslanders to clean up the chaos left by the previous government.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as a comprehensive, tough and fair response that puts the rights of victims above offenders, citing local stories of crime impacts in Chapel Hill and Kenmore.

“The Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024 is a comprehensive, tough and fair response to the challenges our communities face. It puts the rights of victims above the rights of offenders.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Represented the voice of Far North Queensland in support of the bill, describing crime as one of the biggest reasons she stepped up to represent Barron River.

“Today I rise to represent the voice of Far North Queensland in support of the Making Queensland Safer Bill.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Acknowledged the mandate for increased maximum sentences but argued there must also be a social mandate for greater intervention and support, particularly for police liaison officers. Shared stories illustrating the complexity of youth crime causes.

“Whilst we acknowledge that there is a mandate across the Queensland electorate for maximum sentences to be increased, we must also realise that there has to be a social mandate on all of us to recognise that there needs to be greater levels of intervention and understanding.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Shared personal experience of finding an intruder in her home while her children slept, and argued the proposed laws are tough but necessary after a decade of Labor weakening laws and watching the youth crime crisis worsen.

“The proposed laws are tough, but after weakening the laws for almost a decade the previous government has done nothing but watch the youth crime crisis get worse and worse.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Stated the Labor caucus will not stand in the way of increased maximum sentences but argued Queenslanders did not vote for matters with unintended consequences. Described the bill as rushed, politicised lawmaking with harmful consequences.

“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

As Opposition Leader, stated Labor will not stand in the way of Adult Crime, Adult Time becoming law by Christmas but argued the bill goes far beyond the four-word slogan into 52 pages of significant changes with unintended consequences for victims including more trials, delays and cross-examination of victims.

“We as an opposition will not stand in the way of the Crisafulli government implementing their Adult Crime, Adult Time policy before Christmas. That is what Queenslanders were promised and voted for.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, sharing stories from the Marian community about youth crime impacts and citing an 8.3 per cent increase in violence of youth offenders and 58 per cent growth in serious repeat offenders since 2019.

“The Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024 demonstrates our government's unwavering commitment to deliver on our promises to Queenslanders in addressing the youth crime crisis that has plagued our state.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Spoke as a former police officer in support of the bill, sharing experience of visiting victims and assisting them. Expressed pride in standing for victims and taking action.

“I am proud to be able to stand here today and say finally to all those victims that we are doing something about it.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Acknowledged all victims of crime and supported stronger action, but raised concerns about unintended consequences and the lack of time for proper scrutiny, citing the Bar Association and Professor Goldsworthy of Bond University.

“It is the specifics of the clauses beyond introducing adult sentencing for children who commit crimes that have a significant capacity to result in unintended consequences.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Spoke as Minister on behalf of thousands of crime victims he had spoken to since 2015, citing over 5,000 assault charges, 7,000 motor vehicle charges and 12,300 unlawful entry charges against juveniles in the Northern police region under Labor.

“I can say to all those victims that your voices have been heard and today a bill will be passed which takes into consideration your concerns and your issues.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, citing the frustration of businesses paying the price for crime and police carrying the burden of enforcement only to see a revolving door for repeat offenders.

“The hardworking men and women of the Queensland Police Service in Keppel are sick of carrying the burden of enforcement only to witness the justice system put the rights of criminals before the rights of victims.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Wanted better outcomes for victims but worried about negative impacts of the bill, expressing reservations about privacy breaches on children during court processes and the impact on children entering foster care.

“While I want better outcomes for victims of crime—we all do—I worry about what will be some of the negative impacts of this bill as it stands.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Stated the Labor opposition supports strong actions and tough laws, and acknowledged the election message, but raised concerns about the scope of changes beyond what was promised at the election.

“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

Briefly supported the bill, stating Queenslanders very much supported it on 26 October and that the previous government lost power because Queenslanders are sick of crime.

“I simply rise to make a contribution to a very important bill that, on 26 October this year, Queenslanders very much supported.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Argued that actions must have consequences and that the bill restores justice after a decade of a disinterested Labor government. Described how 800 families in his electorate joined a campaign for change.

“For a decade there has been no justice for communities across Queensland. Instead, they have had salt poured into their wounds—emotionally and physically—by a Labor government that was either disinterested or incapable of owning its mistakes.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Acknowledged the LNP's mandate based on Adult Crime, Adult Time but criticised the government for denying police the opportunity to give evidence before the committee and for rushing the bill with unintended consequences.

“I acknowledge that the new Premier and his LNP team have a mandate based on their four-word slogan of Adult Crime, Adult Time and they have made an election promise to fix youth crime via this bill.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

Fully supported the bill, noting KAP had long advocated for Adult Crime, Adult Time and removal of detention as a last resort. Congratulated the government for acting swiftly.

“We fully support the inclusion of another KAP policy: the removal of detention as a last resort. In the end, the most important thing is getting this over the line.”— 2024-12-11View Hansard

Highlighted the impact of youth crime on the 10 Indigenous communities in his electorate, citing support from community leaders including Tania Major, 2007 Young Australian of the Year.

“Over the last three days nobody in this debate has made any mention of any Indigenous community in Queensland that might be impacted by youth crime.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard

As Attorney-General, delivered the minister's reply defending the bill, arguing the government had a clear mandate, the committee received 176 submissions, and dismissing opposition claims about rushed process by noting Labor itself had previously passed youth justice changes in three weeks.

“We took Adult Crime, Adult Time to the state election with a clear promise to Queenslanders that this bill would be introduced as a matter of urgency by Christmas.”— 2024-12-12View Hansard