Cairns residents demand state government address youth crime

A broad community cross section took part in a rally organised by anti crime advocates to demand the state government take urgent move to protect people including young law breakers.

A CAIRNS resident has described how terrified she and her retirement village neighbours are due to a constant wave of youngsters attempting – and sometimes – succeeding – to break in.

Sylvia Carswell, 78, said she attended Friday’s rally hosted by Crime and Justice Action Group on Spence St, because “older people shouldn't be scared, we should not be afraid to go to sleep at night in their won home.”

Mrs Carswell was one of around 40 people at the rally which was held outside the office of the Member for Cairns, Michael Healy.

Retirement village resident and victim of crime Sylvia Carswell speaks at a Crime & Justice Action Group organised rally outside Member for Cairns Michael Healy's office on Spence Street. Picture: Brendan Radke

She said her retirement village, which she declined to name, had suffered a constant barrage of theft.

“My back neighbour has been broken into 16 times in the last six months,” she said.

“We older people should not be frightened of dozing during the middle of the day.

“And my neighbours have been broken into, one lost her car and phone, she found someone in her home during the day and she was shaking, another neighbour had an intruder at 8pm while she was watching TV.”

Mrs Carswell said she and neighbours had contacted police many times and had nothing but praise for them.

“The police have been wonderful,” she said.

“They told us to lock up everything we have, but now these people are pulling down our louvres to get into our homes.”

Crime & Justice Action Group spokes person Aaron McLeod speaks at a rally outside Member for Cairns Michael Healy's office on Spence Street. Picture: Brendan Radke

Rally organiser and Crime and Justice Action Group leader, Aaron McLeod, said the Cairns community was demanding the state government find genuine solutions.

“The Queensland Labor government has failed to take accountability for a failed youth justice system,” he said.

“This crime wave is wrecking havoc on our community and the young boy who died on Monday is as much a victim as the person who’s car was (allegedly) stolen or the driver who has since been charged with his death.”

Around 40 concerned Cairns residents attended at Crime & Justice Action Group organised rally outside Member for Cairns Michael Healy's office on Spence Street. Picture: Brendan Radke

Rally MC Alan Benn said unless the youth crime crisis was addressed, there would be more tragedies ahead for the community.

Crime and Justice rally at Member for Cairns Michael Healy's office

Posted by Cairns Post on Thursday, February 17, 2022

“The kids committing these crimes need to understand love, respect and responsibility,” he said.

“And the current Youth Justice Act needs to be rewritten from top to bottom, because if this legislation worked, then we would not be here protesting on the footpath.”

Rally attendees were critical of Mr Healy’s absence, but he had earlier denied he was avoiding controversy by not attending due to work.

Queensland opposition spokes person for Police and Corrective Services Dale Last was the only member of parliament to attend the Crime & Justice Action Group organised rally outside Member for Cairns Michael Healy's office on Spence Street. Picture: Brendan Radke

“My days are organised two to three weeks ahead,” he said.

“But if Mr McLeod wants to meet with me, I would welcome him getting in touch so we can sit down and talk.”

Foster carer for 9 years Evelyn Hayward of Manoora spoke at the Crime & Justice Action Group organised rally outside Member for Cairns Michael Healy's office on Spence Street. Picture: Brendan Radke

Originally published as Cairns residents demand state government address youth crime