Cairns region politicians give their youth crime wave solutions

A Cairns MP fed up with teen criminals has come up with his own tough love remedy as others debate relocation, detention or better early intervention approaches. What do you think is the answer?

From advocating relocation, education, detention or early intervention, FNQ’s elected representatives have revealed what they reckon needs to happen to combat a burgeoning youth crime wave.

Last week Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard visited Cairns off the back of an announcement from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk that the state government was considering establishing a youth detention centre in the region.

Residents are fed up with a resurgent wave of youth crime, and pressure from anti-crime groups on local politicians is increasing as fast as the grim numbers of vehicle thefts, burglaries and assaults.

Alleged car thieves in a Toyota Hilux do burnouts and run a red light outside Pillow Talk on McCoombe St in Bungalow.

The Cairns Post asked FNQ’s state and federal pollies what they thought the solution to the youth crime problem plaguing Cairns was and what they were doing to help make people feel safe in the city.

Here are their responses.

Cairns MP Michael Healy: We can’t arrest our way out

Mr Healy said he was working with senior ministers and government officials to find a solution.

“The message people are unhappy has been really well and truly conveyed,” he said

“Cairns has a well-resourced and well-equipped police and we make sure the magistrate and judges have appropriate legislation,” he said.

“But the police have said ‘we can’t arrest our way out of this issue, it has to start at the family level’.

“Until we introduce a licence for having kids we need to do more, if you’re not prepared to love, nurture and raise children don’t have them.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy and Queensland Minister Children and Youth Justice Leanne Linard speak to the media about youth crime in Far North Queensland. File Picture: Brendan Radke

Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt: Early intervention

Mr Pitt said Queensland had the toughest bail laws for young people in Australia.

“This means we’re detaining more young people and we’re detaining them for longer,” he said.

“Along with the Youth Justice Minister, I announced that a team of Youth Justice Officers will take up residence at the PCYC in Edmonton, to work closely with young offenders and their families to help address recidivist behaviour.

“I recently met with the Assistant Police Commissioner to discuss the important role that Police Liaison Officers play in early intervention and I’m seeking to have new officers deployed on the southside in the near future.”

Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said he wants more Police Liaison Officers deployed. File Picture: Liam Kidston

Barron River MP Craig Crawford: New laws

Mr Crawford said every car stolen means one victim too many.

“Locally, I champion numerous organisations who work on early intervention to break individual cycles of offending,” he said.

“As a State Minister, I’m working with my cabinet colleagues to get the best possible resources to combat youth crime in the Far North.

“We are constantly looking at new laws, new strategies and new ideas.”

MP for Barron River Craig Crawford said he is championing early intervention and looking at new laws and ideas. File Picture: Bronwyn Farr.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui: A holistic approach

Ms Lui said too many people have had their sense of safety and security threatened.

“Youth crime is a complex issue, and it is critical to take a holistic approach, pulling on multiple levers to drive positive change,” she said.

“Our government is working with Queensland Police Service, Council, local businesses, and non-Government organisations on a number of initiatives.”

Ms Lui said this included funding the PCYC Mareeba Pulse Cafe to ensure it was open every day and the establishment of a new Child Safety and Youth Justice service centre in Mareeba.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said she is working on a holistic approach to reducing youth crime in Mareeba. File Photo: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Kennedy MP Bob Katter: Relocation

Mr Katter said relocation sentencing for young offenders to a remote approved property was the answer.

“We can’t jail people, they’re full,” he said.

“These kids in general are living in a home with 10 people and they are surrounded by domestic violence continuously.

“It’s a chance to break the offending cycle, before they become professional criminals, while still keeping the community safe.”

Kennedy MP Bob Katter said young offenders should be relocated to a remote diversionary facility. File Picture: Brian Cassey

Federal Member Leichardt, Warren Entsch: Make parents accountable

Mr Entsch said while building several remote diversion facilities would allow authorities to remove young offenders from their criminal mates and give them a chance to start afresh, he wanted parents and carers held to account.

“It’s time the parents and carers who claim welfare for looking after these kids should be in the dock too,” he said.

“If they need to make financial restitution to their kids’ victims, maybe the parents need to lose their big smart screen TVs.”

Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch wants parents of young offenders held accountable. File Photo Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Queensland Senator Nina Green: Ready to help

Ms Green said she’s always open to assisting her state colleagues.

“While crime remains predominantly a state issue,” she said.

“I’m willing to work with the state government on any measures to keep our wonderful community safe.”

Labor Senator Nita Green said she is open to working with the state government to reduce youth crime. Picture: supplied.

Originally published as Cairns region politicians give their youth crime wave solutions