OPINION: Why Premier’s crime forum snub is frankly inexcusable

OPINION: I can’t quite work out how the person we elected to keep the state safe can fly past us and enjoy a fun-filled festival, while our people are too afraid to leave their homes, writes Rhylea Millar.

Like many, I have struggled to comprehend what happened to Robert Brown.

Although I did not know him personally, I have heard so many positive things about him, whether it be about his photography or the kind of person he was.

Sadly the thoughts I cannot seem to shake is what happened in the moments after Robert was attacked – was he in pain? Did he feel alone? Was he even aware of what happened?

These are all things we will never know.

But what we do know is this – Toowoomba is grieving and we have had enough.

I was never a big believer that juvenile offenders should be incarcerated, but after what happened to Robert, it’s only the people elected to protect us who I don’t believe in.

It won’t be an easy fix to rectify the level of crimes and trauma our community is now facing.

This is a complex issue and one which will require legislation reforms and ample funding.

But after days of campaigning for our Premier to visit the region, to address the issue or simply listen to the people who call this city home to no avail, only to see our Premier attend the Chinchilla Melon Festival at the weekend, is frankly inexcusable.

I have seen comments on social media from the public saying “are you really surprised?” but I am surprised.

And I can’t quite work out how the person we elected to keep the state safe can fly past us and enjoy a fun-filled festival, while our people are too afraid to leave their homes.

Valued leadership goes deeper than making yourself available for the perfect photo opportunities.

Sometimes it’s about fronting up to those difficult situations – and having the tough conversations.

For me this is not about your stance on politics.

When former Prime Minister Scott Morrison chose to enjoy his family vacation in Hawaii while parts of our country burned, it was glaringly obvious where his priorities were.

Sadly, I’m getting a sense of deja vu here – another crisis spiralling out of control, yet being ignored by the person in charge.

The community deserves answers. The hardworking police who face this every day deserve answers. And Robert deserves answers.

This week we have seen children shot, people experiencing homelessness stabbed and an innocent man die.

The least our Premier can do is land her private plane at Wellcamp.