Editorial: Angus Beaumont’s murder by 14yo thugs must not be in vain

As yet another victim of youth crime is mourned, the government must now release its report on whether the system is working, writes the editor.

A grieving family has been forced to lobby the government for stronger youth crime laws yet again – and it’s just not good enough.

The parents of 15-year-old Angus Beaumont could be forgiven for thinking their pleas, and that of so many others – including the families of Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter, killed by a teen in a stolen car – are falling on deaf ears.

Angus loved to read and cook, excelled at school, started a reading club and regularly helped out working at his father’s mower shop.

He did not deserve to be stabbed in the heart on one of the very few times he had been allowed out after dark, his plan being to meet his friends at the outdoor food trucks for dinner.

His killers – two 14-year-old thugs who were trying to rob Angus’ friend – will be out of jail before they turn 21.

They’d faced court dozens of times and were continually allowed to walk free.

It’s not fair.

Murder victim Angus Beaumont

The Queensland government has received former police commissioner Bob Atkinson’s review of the state’s youth justice system, but cannot say when it will be released.

Mr Atkinson was asked to review the government’s newly introduced bail laws, which were passed on April 30 last year and included creating a presumption against bail for repeat youth offenders, after six months.

Queenslanders have a right to know how these legislative changes – announced just four days after Townsville woman Jennifer Board was killed by an alleged vigilante chasing a stolen car full of juveniles – are addressing youth crime in this state.

If they are not working – and repeat offenders are still being bailed to commit further crimes – they need to be bolstered.

Angus’ family is asking for a suite of changes, including breach of bail to be an offence, legislative amendments to ensure no bail for violent offenders, and for repeat offenders to face adult standards of law. They want it to be called Angus’ Legislation.

It is not the first time reinstating breach of bail as an offence has come up – the families of Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter have also campaigned for it.

Angus Beaumont’s parents Michelle Liddle and Ben Beaumont

A petition asking for legislative reforms to include breach of bail as an offence has more than 50,000 signatures.

This is clearly an issue the wider community feels strongly about.

While the state government needs to listen to the experts and get these laws right, there is also a sense of urgency.

Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard has confirmed the report was given to the government earlier this year, and in a parliamentary budget estimates hearing in August she said: “It has been sitting with government. We are considering it and my hope is that it will be released very soon.”

There’s no excuses not to release the report now, so Queenslanders can see if these much-touted laws are making a difference.

Families such as Angus’ deserve to know, at the very least.

Angus’ mum Michelle Liddle puts it best when she says: “Something has to change. This system is broken. We want something positive to come out of this nightmare.”

NAPLAN IS FOR PARENTS

Calls from the Queensland Teachers’ Union to put NAPLAN tests “out to pasture” are as predictable as they are ill-advised.

Off the back of data showing that 20 per cent of Queensland
year 9 students didn’t sit the test, and of those who did 22 per cent failed to meet minimum writing standards, union president Cresta Richardson declared that the majority of teachers opposed the standardised test.

As usual, Education Minister Grace Grace talked down the testing, saying there was a lack of confidence in the community about NAPLAN.

Gee, we wonder why?

Could it also be that constant undermining of the testing from teachers is giving students a green light to disrespect NAPLAN, both in preparation and execution?

Let’s not forget who this test is really for – parents. It gives them a true indication of their children’s literacy and numeracy skills.

It also provides data that can be used to rate the effectiveness of teachers. No wonder they don’t like it.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here