Annastacia Palaszczuk refuses to be drawn on Steven Miles’ judiciary attack amid youth crime crisis
A defiant Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to be drawn on Steven Miles’ criticism of the judiciary while defending her decision not to attend a youth crime forum in Toowoomba.
QLD Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to be drawn on her deputy’s explosive criticism of the judiciary as she defended her absence from a youth crime forum being held in Toowoomba.
Ms Palaszczuk, in her first media appearance since Deputy Premier Steven Miles criticised a Townsville magistrate for pulling a media “stunt” by releasing 13 alleged youth offenders in a single day, said she would not be drawn on his comments as the cases were still before the courts.
Queensland Police, in the aftermath of the magistrate releasing the 13 children on bail, announced it would be launching appeals — which are set to go before the courts over the next week.
Ms Palaszczuk repeatedly said she would not be drawn on Mr Miles comments as she did not want to prejudice proceedings before the court.
She also defended her absence from a youth crime forum to be held in Toowoomba on Wednesday evening, saying she had been well briefed by Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll.
Police Minister Mark Ryan and Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard will attend the forum.
Ms Palaszczuk, asked why she had not been back to Toowoomba in about 12 months, said Queensland was a large state.
Legislation to put in place the state government’s latest suite of measurements aimed at tackling youth crime will be introduced in parliament next week.
Ms Palaszczuk said there would be consultation on the proposed laws, on top of “preliminary” feedback mechanisms put in place — including a website that has so far been criticised by youth advocacy and justice bodies.
Editor’s view: Polling reveals Crisafulli just not cutting through
David Crisafulli is in the box seat to become the next Premier of Queensland in a week – but it’s clear he still has work t and assume the top job.
Premier wins youth vote with 50c fares, social media profile
More than half of Queensland’s young voters have rallied behind Steven Miles as their preferred premier, saying his prolific social media use and cost of living measures have helped win them over.