‘Complex issue’: Premier’s plan to tackle Qld youth crime scourge

The state government has released a draft plan to tackle the youth crime crisis gripping Queensland ahead of the state election later this year.

The state government has released a draft plan to address the disadvantage plaguing young Queensland children in a move aimed at tackling the youth crime scourge ahead of the election later this year.

Premier Steven Miles said the strategy was intended to improve the early lives of children to serve as a holistic early-intervention plan to divert children from a life in crime.

It will focus on a number of key areas to improve outcomes, the Premier said, including health, access to education, secure and affordable housing, and empowering First Nations people.

Education and Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer. Picture: David Clark

Mr Miles said he wanted the government to adopt a cohesive approach to the complex issue.

“A lot of this is about getting siloed government departments together and challenging them to justify their current approach and demand that where there are problems they come up with better approaches,” he said.

Education and Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer said: “We know that early-childhood experiences have a significant influence on a young person’s life trajectory, which is why the early years are a key opportunity for preventive and early-intervention support.

Premier Steven Miles. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCA NewsWire

“Putting Queensland Kids First is about setting young Queenslanders on positive and healthy pathways through education, skills and employment, and diverting people from pathways that may lead to offending.

“Prioritising our young Queenslanders is one of the best investments for the long-term health, wellbeing, safety and prosperity of our community.

“First Nations children are twice as likely to be vulnerable and they continue to have shortfalls in literacy and numeracy and this draft package offers a brighter future.”

Logan Crime Reduction Unit target youth offenders in property crime blitz. Picture: Queensland Police