THE LNP has announced a return of policies aimed at discouraging repeat youth crime in the court system if it returned to government.
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This included ‘name and shame’, mandatory community service for all offenders without excuse, and making it clear in legislation that youth detention would not be a last resort for offenders.
Queensland’s shadow attorney-general Ian Walker said another policy would be preventing youth offenders involved in car theft and hooning from being eligible from gaining their drivers licence.
He said tougher laws set during the Newman government were overturned by Labor before they had a chance to work.
He said that police were “most definitely” frustrated at the lack of power in stopping youth criminals.
“We’ve been speaking to police. There particularly seems to be a revolving door for a core group of offenders,” Mr Walker said.
“10 per cent of youth criminals are responsible for 42 per cent of youth crime.
“There’s a hard core group of offenders that law officials are having difficulty attacking.
“I think the measures announced today (Friday) will increase their abilities.
“Just remember the measures announced today aren’t meant to put more kids behind bars.
“They are meant to deter kids from committing crimes.
“There are consequences if you break the law. If that message gets through it would reduce youth crime.”
When asked if youth losing the chance to gain their licence might increase social disadvantage, Mr Walker said, “I think they are kids who are keen to get their driver’s licence.
“It will have an effect on many offenders to know if they misbehave there will be consequences.”