Police Minister Mark Ryan rejects claims Palaszczuk government divided on issue of youth crime

Senior Queensland ministers have rejected claims the Palaszczuk government is divided on youth crime in the fallout from Steven Miles’s stinging attack on the judiciary. VOTE IN OUR POLL

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Police Minister Mark Ryan has shrugged off suggestions his government is divided on youth crime, claiming they were “all on the same page” despite key ministers distancing themselves from controversial comments made Deputy Premier Steven Miles.

It comes as Transport Minister Mark Bailey sidestepped questions over whether he supports Mr Miles’ attack on the judiciary - saying everyone is entitled to their views.

Mr Miles on Friday last week slammed a Townsville magistrate as “rogue” when she released 13 juveniles on bail from a watch-house and detention centre on February 9, labelling it as a “media stunt”.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles called a Townsville magistrate a “rogue” after the mass release of 13 juveniles on bail. Picture: John Gass

“We cannot stand and watch a media stunt like this one from someone who clearly does not agree with our policies (that are) designed to keep dangerous offenders out of the community,” he said.

Mr Miles was chastised by figures in the legal community who said his comments were “in direct egregious contempt” of the court process.

Since the extraordinary spray, many senior party members have distanced themselves from his comments, including Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman and Treasurer Cameron Dick.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli called the state government out for infighting and jostling rather than focusing on solving the growing problem of youth crime.

But Mr Ryan, spruiking the Youth Crime Taskforce in Cairns on Tuesday, brushed off any tensions, saying all was well.

“There is no disunity. We’re all on the same page. We all want the same thing, which is a safe community,” Mr Ryan said.

In the last week, two innocent people have been killed allegedly at the hands of youths in Queensland, Robert Brown in Toowoomba and Scott Cabrie in Hervey Bay.

Mr Ryan said his government had made “significant” investments into combating youth crime, including introducing new laws which are due to go before parliament next week.

But when asked if these reforms were too little too late, Mr Ryan said the changes were in line with what the community wanted.

“The community has asked in recent times for there to be a stronger approach. The government listened and the government’s acting…,” he said.

Of the 13 juveniles released last week, all aged between 13 and 17 years old, at least one was a serious repeat offender.

All juveniles were in custody for property offences, including armed robberies and car thefts.

Since their release, one of the juveniles has been taken back into custody for breaching his bail requirements.

Police Minister Mark Ryan says the Palaszczuk government is united on its approach to youth crime.

Townsville Police have ramped up bail checks to ensure the community is kept safe, conducting more than 200 at the weekend.

Mr Bailey, when asked on Tuesday if he supported Mr Miles’ comments, did not directly answer the question – but he said everyone was entitled to their view on the issue.

“I don’t have anything in particular to add to it,” Mr Bailey said.

“Everyone is entitled to their point of view, whether it’s government ministers, Bar Association. Free speech and democracy – that’s a part of our culture and our society.”

Mr Miles’ comments have been criticised by the legal community, with the Queensland Law Society saying they were “offensive to the doctrine of the separation of powers”.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey. Picture: David Clark

When asked if he thought if Mr Miles’ views were appropriate, Mr Bailey reiterated the Deputy Premier was “entitled to his point of view”.

“I can understand his level of frustration. Put it that way,” he said.

“Let’s be very clear – the Labor Party has always supported very strongly a strong judiciary and a separation of powers. We always have and we always will.

“That doesn’t mean we might not have a view on a particular matter occasionally.”

Mr Bailey, who is one of the most senior members of Cabinet, also would not say if he had seen draft legislation of the youth crime laws to be introduced by the government to parliament next week.

The Opposition has repeatedly called for legislation to be released in advance of parliament sitting, while experts have also said they want more consultation on the proposed laws.

“I’m a member of the Cabinet. I’m not at liberty to discuss Cabinet matters under my charge and no minister is,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Premier released … around the Christmas time a very clear ten point plan.”

Originally published as Police Minister Mark Ryan rejects claims Palaszczuk government divided on issue of youth crime