Cairns leaders welcome expansion of youth crime laws, say community is at ‘breaking point’

Cairns leaders have welcomed the state government’s commitment to expanding the list of offences included in its ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ policy to tackle youth crime.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patricia O'Neill. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns leaders have welcomed the state government’s commitment to expanding the list of offences included in its ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ policy to tackle youth crime.

The framework, introduced in December 2024 as a part of the Making Queensland Safer laws, mean youth offenders receive adult sentences for serious crimes such as murder and manslaughter.

At a press conference this week, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced the list of offences included in the policy would be expanded.

The amended bill will add 20 new crimes, including rape, attempted rape, torture, arson and attempted murder, bringing the total number to 33 offences.

Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: Supplied by the Office of the Premier.

It comes after around 500 people gathered at a rally in Cairns un February to protest sexual violence and escalating crime rates following the alleged rape of a woman by teenagers in Manunda.

Premier David Crisafulli, who was in Cairns the day the news of the alleged rape broke, said the alleged crime “(was) sickening and heinous and those responsible should be made to pay”.

Following the alleged offence, mayor Amy Eden called for the extension of list of offences “as soon as possible”.

Following the announcement, Ms Eden said she was pleased to hear about the expansion.

“Here in Cairns, we continue to see the devastating impacts of youth crime — on families, on small business owners, on frontline workers, and on the young people themselves who are often trapped in cycles of offending. This expansion is an important step in making it clear that consequences matter,” she said.

“We know that enforcement alone won’t fix this crisis. But it is a necessary piece of the puzzle.

“But it must go hand-in-hand with better prevention. That includes local diversion programs, targeted early intervention, and stronger collaboration between police, youth services, schools and communities.”

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden is close to tears while speaking to the crowd at the Rally for Justice protest on the Cairns Esplanade in February. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce also said it welcomed the expansion of the laws.

“Our business community has reached its breaking point,” Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Patricia O’Neill said.

“In addition to rising operating costs, businesses are facing significant, unrecoverable losses due to criminal activity, including property damage and lost productivity.”

The Chamber called for ’ “swift enactment” of the laws and said a collaborative effort was required to ensure their success.

“Collaboration between the Queensland Police Service, the Judiciary, and key stakeholders is essential to ensure these measures lead to real, lasting improvements for the Cairns community.”

Mrs O’Neill said the chamber would “continue to advocate for strong and immediate action to protect our business community and create a safer environment for all”.

Originally published as Cairns leaders welcome expansion of youth crime laws, say community is at ‘breaking point’