Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett is calling on local residents to have their say on youth justice policy as the Newman Government looks to develop its youth justice blueprint.
Mr Bennett said the recently-released Safer Streets Crime Action Plan and survey would give Queenslanders an opportunity to voice their opinions on the state’s youth justice system.
“This is an issue many people have an opinion on and it is critical that any future policy decisions are made in the best interests of our local communities,” Mr Bennett said.
“It was an LNP election commitment to trial youth boot camps and we have already established an early intervention camp on the Gold Coast and a sentenced camp in Cairns.
“On the one year anniversary of coming to government, the Premier and the Attorney-General announced three additional boot camps in Townsville, Rockhampton and the Fraser Coast.
“However, as promised in the Government’s second six-month action plan, the review of youth justice will continue and this paper is a key element of the review.”
Mr Bennett called on Burnett and Bundaberg residents to complete the survey and have their say on youth justice.
“This is not an issue that can be fixed overnight, but with the input of the community we can ensure the voices of Queenslanders are heard and will inform future reforms,” he said.
The paper also includes a summary of the criminal law reforms the Newman Government has implemented so far, including increased penalties for child sex offenders, murderers and people who assault or evade police.
The paper and survey are available at www.justice.qld.gov.au until 30 June 2013.