Mareeba resident Denis McKinley speaks out about shocking crime during school hours

A Mareeba resident has spoken out about the youth crime he has seen during school hours after an Education Queensland report laid bare the region had the worst school attendance in the state.

A MAREEBA resident has spoken out about the amount of youth crime he has seen during school hours after an Education Queensland report revealed the region had the worst school attendance in the state.

Former Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Inspector Denis McKinley said he could not understand how the truancy has been allowed to go on for so long.

“When I was in school you were in big trouble if you didn’t go,” Mr McKinley said.

“You see them going to the shops during the day. I’ve seen real violence in the IGA supermarket from some 13 and 14-year-olds because they got caught and thought they would be intercepted when they stole some goods.”

Mr McKinley said there has been so many talkfests but no real outcomes.

“This data comes out that shows we are way worse than metropolitan. Why wasn’t something done years ago when the town was covered in graffiti,” he said.

Former school principal and Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said it was only when the complex issues affecting young people at home were addressed that attendance would improve.

“There is no denying that youth crime is a complex issue and is recognised as a manifestation of socio-economic disadvantage experienced by young people and their families,” Cr Toppin said.

“Poor school attendance can be linked to families who are experiencing housing issues or even homelessness, long term unemployment, drug and alcohol addiction and domestic violence or any other number of challenges.

“The gaps in learning that result from ongoing poor attendance can be so significant that it is very difficult for children to ever catch-up.”

A Queensland Police spokesperson said a great deal of work was being done across agencies to address the needs of young people who were known to the youth justice system.

“The work undertaken directs the education of the young person toward meaningful pathways,” the spokesperson said.

“The concept recognises that each child and young person requires high quality curriculum and tailored programs, as well as other wraparound support to overcome the barriers they face.”

Originally published as Mareeba resident Denis McKinley speaks out about shocking crime during school hours