Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has urged the Premier to recall parliament to introduce Emma’s Law following the tragic death of Emma Lovell.
Mr Bennett said he’s backing the petition that calls to enforce a ‘mandate on courts to incarcerate, refuse bail, and breach of bail on violent home invaders who repeat offend with weapons regardless of age.’
Mr Bennett said the Premier and Queensland MP’s need to return to work immediately to address the youth crime crisis.
“The death of Emma Lovell is an unspeakable tragedy, and yet we must speak about it because if we don’t more people’s lives will be lost,” he said.
“For eight years the Palaszczuk Government has weakened laws around youth offenders, reduced police numbers in real terms, and failed to head our calls to introduce breach of bail as an offence.
“Now, 17-year-old offenders charged with murder will be treated as children in the youth justice system because the Palaszczuk Government changed the law in 2016 to exclude 17-year-olds from the adult criminal justice system.
“That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the State Labor Government’s failure to protect our community; it’s time they were held to account.”
The Burnett MP said he’s asking for parliament to be recalled as a matter of urgency.
“It’s time to work together and stop the petty politics before more lives are lost,” said Mr Bennett.
“I have a duty to my community, and the Premier has a duty to Queensland to address this youth crime crisis immediately.”
To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/emma-s-law-f77dfedf-83f5-435e-95a0-7c264cb46094
THE FACTS:
?? Conditions aren’t imposed – 92 people have had more than 30 chances in the past 12 months
?? 4 GPS Trackers fitted in 1.5 years because offenders don’t want to wear them
?? No consequences for action under Youth Justice System for breach of bail
?? Safe Night Precinct funding has been cut for the whole of Queensland
?? Police numbers are declining in real terms
?? No change has been enacted to target recidivist offenders
?? Early intervention programs are poorly planned and executed
ENDS.
30/12/2022