Following immense pressure from Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, and LNP Candidate for Rockhampton, Donna Kirkland, the State Government’s Youth Crime Crisis Committee has back flipped on their decision to not hold an inquiry in CQ and has announced a hearing in Rockhampton on 27 February 2024.
Hard-working Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said she was pleased residents in Central Queensland would have the chance to express their concerns about the impact of crime on their community.
“When I learnt that Central Queenslanders would not have the opportunity to take part in the Committee’s regional hearings, I was outraged. Our communities have been in the grip of a Youth Crime Crisis for far too long and were snubbed for hearings in South-East Queensland.
“It should never have taken such enormous pressure from locals to have the Committee shamed into making the decision to also hold a hearing in Rockhampton, particularly when crime is so rampant across CQ. The Capricornia region has seen a 271 per cent surge in car thefts and a staggering 86 per cent increase in break-ins since 2015.
“The frustration from locals is real. They feel let down by the judicial system and that this State Labor Government has sat on their hands and allowed such rampant destruction to not just people physically but emotionally and financially as well.
“I urge everyone who has been affected by crime to make a submission to the Youth Crime Committee by going to the Youth Crime Committee’s website,” Ms Landry said.
Submissions for the Youth Crime Crisis Inquiry can be made by visiting www.parliament.qld.gov.au/youthjustice.
