Brisbane youth crime march: What you said about Premier’s no-show

It was the no-show that said everything and left many furious. Why were the victims of Queensland’s youth crime crisis ignored? JOIN THE CONVERSATION

It was the no-show that said everything.

The August 2023 victims of crime march in Brisbane endured a bizarre twist after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk initially failed to front the hordes.

News of her snub was met with anger and frustration both by those in attendance as well as online readers, with some suggesting Ms Palaszczuk’s focus remains on the 2032 Olympic Games.

However it later emerged that Lee Lovell – the husband of the North Lakes mother who was stabbed to death on Boxing Day 2022 – was dragged into a secret meeting with Ms Palaszczuk.

The march by family and friends of victims of shocking juvenile crimes had hoped to secure a much-called-for meeting with Ms Palaszczuk and immediate action to curb the scourge.

Outside Parliament House, they demanded to meet with the Premier, chanting “Annastacia, we want to meet with you” and “help us Anna, help us now”.

Voice for Victims march on Parliament House, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Premier, however, failed to show, with Police Minister Mark Ryan stepping out to speak in her place.

“I understand the premier meets with victims all the time and she often has private meetings with people,” Mr Ryan said.

A spokesman from the Premier’s office insisted Ms Palaszczuk did meet with a victim of crime for 30 minutes – and Mr Lovell said he did feel heard once he had the chat.

“It would have been nice to have everyone else there too, for them to put their views across as well. And not just me,” he said.

Did the premier get it wrong? Join the conversation below or on Facebook >>>

Lee Lovell said he was caught off guard to be called into a meeting with the Premier. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

TIME FOR ANNA TO GO!

Mathias Armadillo

Does that really surprise anyone? Accountability & Annastacia don’t often feature in the same sentence.

Lynette Simmonds

The only action will come when we get rid of Palaszczuk and her lot at the next election. Until that time, we will see no changes, the young criminals will continue to ruin lives and receive no consequences for their violent actions.

TYPICAL FROM LABOR

Tom Dangerfield

and they all had a day off for nothing and a our premier never ever showed

Robyn F Marlow

Shows how much the Labor party really care.

Jason Snow

Would have loved to have marched beside you today.

Pity the Premier who said recently that she is available day or night and any day of the week to talk to people was unable to once again keep her word and talk to you.

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SHE ONLY CARES ABOUT THE OLYMPICS!

Dave Carmody

Of course she did … doesn’t have anything to do with the Olympics.

Darren Roberts

It is time for her to go … all she care about is her precious Olympics

OTHERS NEED TO STEP UP

Greg Peddell

If the cops don’t care about victims of crime why would annastacia?

Laura Ferguson

Just imagine how you would feel if your child was murdered by some 13 year olds? I wouldn’t rest. I wouldn’t stop

Angelica Scala Jolly

It’s ridiculous that I have turned my house into Fort Knox. My family has lived in bulimba for 17 years and we never locked door or windows. After being broken into four times twice with us at home we Cross check and arm everything. Why should we have to live like prisoners in our own homes. Anna must go and whomever comes in better have a plan

Originally published as Brisbane youth crime march: What you said about Premier’s no-show