10 Sep STATE GOVERNMENT’S ‘CATCH-AND-RELEASE’ FUELLING NORTH QUEENSLAND YOUTH CRIME CRISIS

North Queensland is grappling with a youth crime crisis that sees, in what has become an all-too-familiar pattern, repeat offenders back on the streets the very next day, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader,and Member for Traeger Robbie Katter has said.

“This is exactly what is fuelling the crime epidemic. There are no real consequences for these kids. They steal cars, wreck them, and what happens? A slap on the wrist.” he said.

“The State Government’s soft-on-crime approach is failing the people it is supposed to protect and lacks any real deterrence.

“It is giving these repeat offenders the green light to continue terrorising our communities as they know the laws are toothless and ineffective,” Mr Katter said.

The KAP offers the only real and effective circuit-breaker – a mandatory minimum sentencing of 12 months under their Send ‘Em Bush policy.

“Emotions are running high in our communities. Every stolen car, every home invasion, and every personal violation leaves people more vulnerable.

“It’s gut-wrenching to know that those responsible can walk free the very next day. What message does that send to the victims – or worse, to other would-be youth offenders?” the Member for Traeger said.

In response to recent comments by Mount Isa Police, who suggested that the spike in vehicle thefts in Mount Isa at the start of September was an anomaly, Mr Katter disagreed, saying that such claims downplayed the severity of the ongoing crisis.

“The police may believe that we are seeing long-term decreases in property crime, but I have to ask – how does that help the families that are living in fear every day? ” Mr Katter said.

“We need to be honest with ourselves – this decrease means nothing when the fundamental issue remains unresolved.”

Mr Katter warned that if both major parties didn’t agree on real reform before the upcoming election, they’ll be complicit in letting the North Queensland’s youth crime crisis worsen.

“Both major parties need to stop pretending they’ve got this under control, they don’t. The people deserve better than a government that prioritises offenders over victims,” he said.

The KAP and are standing firm with the only effective solution to address the lawlessness in North Queensland and our youth to be guided towards a future of success, not a life of crime.”

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