Far North focus during heated regional parliament question time, focus on crocs, youth crime

There was heated interjection on emotionally charged topics such as croc management and youth crime during regional parliament question time. How ministers responded to the big issues.

Government ministers have been quizzed about crocs, crime and housing at parliamentry question time at a less than well-attended session by Cairns voters.

An after-hours sitting of regional parliament on the second day of sitting at the Cairns Convention Centre certainly had a Far North flavour amid often heated interjection on emotionally charged topics such as saltwater crocodile management and skyrocketing rates of crime.

The public gallery was less than half full during Question Time in the Far North Queensland regional sitting of the Queensland parliament, held at the Cairns Convention Centre. Picture: Brendan Radke

SOCIAL HOUSING

Everton MP Tim Mander

Will the Premier clarify whether the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to deliver 5600 social houses through the Housing Investment Fund is to actually build them or only fund them?

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

We on this side of the House recognise that there are housing pressures.

We recognise that there is nothing more important to a family than to have a roof over their head. We have a clear vision for this state. It is a vision of creativity, of making sure our young people have opportunities and making sure we build more housing across our state. That is why we have set up our own construction arm company at QBuild, we are going to have one in Cairns …

YOUTH CRIME

Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie

After the Police Minister’s comments on police personnel promises and with the Queensland government workforce data showing there are fewer frontline police now than two years ago, how can the residents of Cairns and the Far North have confidence in a single promise this government makes to deal with the youth crime crisis gripping this region?

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

We are recruiting more police officers. It is not an issue that is uncommon to other parts of the country. As we know, we have put in place stronger laws tackling the issue of crime.

There are many good men and women who are doing great work out there who want those young people out of a life of crime and want them to be in jobs.

YOUTH CRIME

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto

Will the Premier acknowledge that the government’s laws are failing to keep Queenslanders safe and do more to protect perpetrators than victims?

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

We have strong laws. We are giving the police extra resources. The police

have more high visibility patrols going out. They are targeting those Facebook users where juveniles are spreading information through those social media networks

We acknowledge that there has been hurt in the community and that there have been tragedies.

CROCODILE MANAGEMENT

Hill MP Shane Knuth

An independent panel recommended over nine months ago for the annual removal of

2.4-metre plus crocodiles on Queensland’s populated east coast in addition to the removal of problem crocodiles. In light of recent crocodile attacks, will the Minister explain why this recommendation was not actioned immediately to help protect North Queenslanders?

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER MEAGHAN SCANLON

(The recommendation) did say that we should consider (removal.) The department is at the moment looking at that information.

We need to make sure that we conduct research. We also need to make sure that we deliver consultation. We need to make sure that we look at what the data is showing. That is what the independent experts advised.

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Originally published as Far North focus during heated regional parliament question time, focus on crocs, youth crime