Mount Isa now a ‘playground for criminals,’ Robbie Katter warns
KAP leader Robbie Katter has blasted the state government, claiming it has lost control of Mount Isa’s spiralling crime crisis after residents recently endured a ‘hellish’ crime wave.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
KAP leader Robbie Katter has blasted the state government, claiming it has lost control of Mount Isa’s spiralling crime crisis after residents recently endured a ‘hellish’ crime wave.
Despite government claims that progress is being made, the Member for Traeger says the reality on the ground is far different.
A chaotic crime wave last week saw local police calling in outside help, including a Polair helicopter, to track down stolen cars.
Five youths were arrested last Thursday after six vehicles were pinched and dumped, with one allegedly used in a robbery just hours later.
Another attack saw a second ram raid on Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae’s newsagency.
“Mount Isa has become a playground for brazen youth criminals,” Mr Katter said.
“This attack, amid a major police operation which has allegedly ‘saturated’ the region with extra police, is proof enough that the government’s approach is failing spectacularly.”
The outback MP acknowledged there had been a nine-day police blitz on the town recently but branded it a temporary fix.
“It’s a Band-Aid for a bullet wound,” he said.
“We wouldn’t need these high-scale, multi-level, costly operations if real, effective solutions, like the KAP’s Castle Law and Send ‘em Bush policies, were in place.”
Queensland Police Service stats show car thefts in Mount Isa dropped slightly by three per cent from January to July, with 127 offences this year compared to 131 in 2023.
But Mr Katter slammed the government’s focus on figures.
“Tinkering around the edges and cherrypicking statistics won’t cut it, especially when so much goes unreported due to the widespread apathy about government intervention.”
Mayor MacRae also spoke out, frustrated by the lack of support for crime-hit businesses.
“As long as the laws remain as they are, we will continue to see this repeated in our community until it is no longer viable to be in business,” she said.
In response to ongoing crime, this year the state government has pumped $24m into an Intensive On Country youth justice program and launched a new Early Action Group aimed at addressing the root causes of offending.
Originally published as Mount Isa now a ‘playground for criminals,’ Robbie Katter warns
Unionists to rally in Brisbane in support of CFMEU
Unionists will rally in Brisbane on Tuesday in what’s expected to be another rowdy show of support for the rogue CFMEU.
‘Horrible’: Qantas flight in 6000m emergency descent
A Townsville to Brisbane flight has had to be diverted to Rockhampton after a reported cabin pressure issue forced it to drop more than 6000 metres in a matter of minutes.
Coldest morning in 10 years: Where ‘feels like’ temp dipped to -5.5C
Southern Queensland has experienced another frosty morning, with one centre experiencing its coldest September morning since 2014, but there are warnings temperatures are about to lift dramatically.
Shopping centre arrest as alleged $400m meth in juice bottle plot busted
A group of Queensland men have been arrested after federal police foiled a plot to smuggle $400 million of liquid meth into the state hidden inside bottles of juice.
More money, focus on wellbeing stems child safety exodus
Queensland’s child safety officer vacancy rate has fallen by 45 per cent in 12 months due to this fresh approach by authorities.
Two years overdue, two sites tested: ‘Unfathomable’ delay for key DV scheme
A video recording scheme preventing domestic violence victims from having to relive their trauma has not been rolled out across Queensland more than three years since an inquiry.