Qld youth crime: Calls for change from family, friends and communities

For years the heartbroken families, friends and communities of victims of youth crimes have called for change. How much longer can these pleas be ignored?

The pain is never-ending.

Yet the pleas of those who have lost loved ones to youth crimes continue to fall on deaf ears.

In August 2023 victims of some of Queensland’s most shocking juvenile crimes marched on Parliament House to demand immediate action to curb the exploding crisis.

At least 18 people have now lost their lives in youth crime-related incidents in the past two years.

These are the pleas from those friends, families and communities affected, as pressure ramps up on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to finally drive change within the justice system.

‘I HOPE YOU ALL FEEL SOMEWHAT RESPONSIBLE’

In February 2021 aspiring police officer Jennifer Board, 22, was hit and killed as an alleged vigilante chased a stolen car being driven by youths.

The incident prompted a police officer and “very close friend” to take to social media, pleading for change.

Jennifer Board.

“I am not one to turn to social media to express my feelings or vent but if this even has the slightest chance of changing the way crime is dealt with in Queensland then it’s worth a shot,” they wrote.

“Every person in Queensland that continues to stand by this (youth justice) legislation please listen to the community.

“I hope you all feel somewhat responsible for this death because this should have been prevented.”

‘WE WANT TO RID THE YOUTH CULTURE’

A heartbroken beachside community in January 2022 vowed to turn the tragic death of a much-loved teenager into an end to the ‘knife culture’ among youths.

Sixteen-year-old Buddina teen and popular Sunshine Coast Grammar School Year 11 student Balin Stewart died outside his Iluka Ave home after he was allegedly stabbed in the torso by another boy, 17.

The #BinthebladeforBalin campaign was then launched.

“We want to rid the youth culture of today of the need to carry a knife,” Michael Stewart, father of Balin, said.

“We want to make the Sunshine Coast a safer place.”

‘EVERYTHING JUST TAKES WAY TOO LONG’

The widow of Brisbane father Michael Warburton, who was killed in a hit and run while riding his scooter home in September 2022, said only a higher profile incident may drive change.

Speaking in May 2023, Mrs Warburton admitted she was at a loss but called for action.

“As the youth crime goes, I really don’t think it’s going to change until something happens to someone that’s more important than the average family,” she said.

“I think it will just keep going on and on, which makes me angry and sad at the same time.

“Everything just takes way too long due to red tape and getting things in place in order to get it sorted.”

‘IT’S THE GOVERNMENT’S PROBLEM’

Emma Lovell, 41, was allegedly stabbed in the chest while fighting off intruders in her home on Boxing Day 2022.

The incident prompted the “Emma’s Law petition”, organised by Julie West who pleaded for a reaction from the government.

Candlelight vigil to celebrate the life of Emma Lovell. Picture: Richard Walker

“I’m really, really grateful that the community has got behind this cause. As a community, we’re going to make change,” Ms West said.

“It’s not the courts problem. It’s not the police’s problem. It’s the government’s problem.

“They wrote the law. The law is weak. So we need to get that change. We need to get it changed.”

‘I DON’T THINK IT’S WORKING’

David George Connolly, 43, in January 2023 was stabbed to death less than a kilometre from his home in the up-market inner-Brisbane suburb of Wilston.

The incident led to Ben Beaumont, the grieving father of slain teen Angus Beaumont, appealing for a meeting with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Angus was just 15 when in June 2022 he died after being stabbed during a confrontation with two teens, both aged 14.

“It’s like pulling the wool over someone’s eyes to be honest,” Mr Beaumont said.

“ … I want to talk to (the premier). I’d like to meet with her so she can tell me how her new laws are going to change and how they will help families not to go through what we went through.

“I want to know how it’s actually going to affect these criminal juveniles because I don’t think it’s working.”

‘IT HAS REACHED AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL’

Robert William Brown died in February 2023 as result of injuries he suffered in a sickening alleged broad daylight robbery in the heart of Toowoomba’s CBD.

The incident led to calls from Toowoomba MPs Trevor Watts and David Janetzki.

“Crime in Toowoomba has reached an unacceptable level and the Palaszczuk Government’s inaction is definitely a problem for our community,” Mr Watts said.

“Multiple times a week we have people contact our offices, telling us there has been a break in, an attempted break in or their car has been stolen.

“This is happening across our community but for it to happen in our main street is completely unacceptable and the government must resource the police and the courts with all the requirements they have to enforce the law and they must upgrade the law so there are consequences for actions.”

‘WE NEED URGENT ACTION’

Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie was in February 2023 allegedly killed by two teens.

TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said at the time the union was both shocked and saddened by the incident.

“We need urgent action to create a system of safe standards with enforceable rights and protections for all transport workers in the gig economy,” he said.

“This reform has been committed to by the federal government and supported by gig giants Uber and DoorDash.

“We urge Federal Parliament to pass this legislation without delay to ensure workers are heard, consulted and empowered to be safe at work.”

‘THEY HAVE BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS’

Russell and Ann Field in May 2023 said the state government had “blood on its hands” and warned more innocent people will die if it didn’t urgently intervene in the state’s youth crime crisis.

Matty Field and Kate Leadbetter were killed by an out-of-control car when walking their dog at Alexandra Hills.

The couple, who lost their son Matthew Field and his pregnant fiancee Kate Leadbetter when they were struck and killed by a drunk and high juvenile in a stolen car on Australia Day 2021, spoke out after the Court of Appeal decided not to increase the child’s 10-year sentence.

“It is tragic this has happened again,” Mr Field said.

“The Premier and this state have more blood on their hands because nothing was done earlier.”