Youth crime forum: Event to address Toowoomba’s youth crime wave
Residents attending tonight’s youth crime forum run the risk of going unheard, with the selection process for questions revealed by the government. Here’s everything you need to know.
Hundreds of concerned community residents will head to the Empire Theatres precinct on Wednesday night to have their voice heard on the rise of youth crime.
People attending the Toowoomba Community Forum will hear from Police Minister Mark Ryan, Youth Justice Minster Leanne Linard and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll from 7pm.
Residents heading to the forum have been invited to suggest questions prior to the event via an online form.
It’s believed attendees will not be able to ask questions from the floor, something Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts said might exclude elderly people.
“There’s absolutely no question I would encourage everybody to submit questions that they would like to have answered,” he said.
“Not everyone is going to have an opportunity to run a question, but unfortunately some of the more aged in our population might be more technologically-challenged.”
The forum is expected to be live streamed, and you can follow along with The Chronicle’s live blog of the forum here.
The sold-out event at the Armitage Centre was sparked following the shocking death of Robert Brown, who died a week after he was attacked while waiting for a taxi outside Grand Central Shopping Centre.
The 75-year-old was allegedly pushed while waiting for a taxi outside Toowoomba’s largest shopping centre.
His injury and subsequent death fuelled an outpouring of grief and anger over the rise of youth crime across the city.
Youth armed robbery has increased by more than 170 per cent, while unlawful use of a motor vehicle crimes have increase by more than 200 per cent.
The event comes just 24 hours after a shooting incident involving youths in the Toowoomba CBD.
The Chronicle launched its Enough is Enough campaign in the wake of Mr Brown’s death, calling for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to visit and speak with the community.
The Premier’s office declined to reveal where Ms Palaszczuk will be on Wednesday night, but it is understood she plans to visit Toowoomba at a later date.
Mr Ryan, who was forced on Tuesday to deny there was disunity within the government over youth crime, revealed he would not bring details of the government’s legislative reforms to the forum.
In a statement, the Police Minister said suggestions and initiatives from residents at the event used to guide legislation would be “communicated at the appropriate time”.
“As is the case with all pieces of new legislation it will be introduced to parliament and then available for public scrutiny,” he said.
“Youth Justice officials, police officers and ministers present at the forum will take note of the suggestions put forward.
“Any initiatives that result from the forum will be communicated at the appropriate time.
“People can rest assured that Youth Justice, police and other government representatives will spend as much time as it takes to listen to the concerns of those who attend the forum.”
The state government signalled its intention to unveil a suite of youth crime reforms when parliament resumes later this month, but have yet to detail any of the policies.
Experts have revealed they have also not been consulted as to what the reforms will be.
Opposition MPs are hoping for key outcomes for both the Darling Downs region and the wider state.
“If this isn’t just for show and if they’re serious, they’ll bring the legislation to discuss with the community on Wednesday night,” Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki said.
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Originally published as Youth crime forum: Event to address Toowoomba’s youth crime wave
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