Central QLD excluded from parliament’s 2024 regional youth crime hearings

No Central Queensland town has made the cut for a youth justice parliamentary committee regional tour of the state. But one local MP says that will change.

The Rockhampton community took matters into their own hands against crime on Sunday, led by Torin O'Brien.

Despite seeing a “271 per cent surge in car thefts” and “86 per cent increase in break-ins” since 2015, Capricornia is currently not on the list of towns for a youth justice parliamentary committee to visit during a regional tour.

The Youth Justice Reform Select Committee will hold public hearings in regional areas, namely Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa, as it examines ongoing reforms to the youth justice system and support for victims of crime.

The group will also set aside time in Toowoomba, Brisbane and Southport.

It’s a decision that has flummoxed Capricornia MP Michelle Landry, who says she is deeply concerned over the committee’s decision to exclude Central Queensland from its scheduled hearings, despite the promise of regional engagements.

But, Keppel MP Brittany Lauga has told the Federal MP not to “shoot from the hip”, saying CQ will be included in future.

“After speaking to (the committee chair) directly today I can confirm that Committee hearings are ongoing since they commenced in November 2023, and more hearings are planned early this year, including in Central Queensland,” Ms Lauga said.

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry.

‘Deeply troubling, considering the severity of the crisis at hand’

Ms Landry said although committee chair Sandy Bolton, the Independent State MP for Noosa, said she was eager to hear directly from regional communities when announcing the hearings.

But the tour questions their commitment to addressing youth crime concerns in a comprehensive and inclusive manner, according to Ms Landry.

“The recent omission of this region from the scheduled hearings of the Youth Crime Committee is deeply troubling, considering the severity of the crisis at hand,” she said.

“Central Queensland, grappling with escalating levels of criminal activities among the youth, deserves attention and proactive measures.

“However, it is noteworthy that a region grappling with some of the highest crime rates in the state has been omitted.

“The Capricornia region has witnessed a 271 per cent surge in car thefts and an alarming 86 per cent increase in break-ins since 2015.

“The outcry from locals reveals a poignant reality; their voices are being ignored, underscoring the Labor Party’s apparent reluctance to listen and address the concerns of the community.”

Angry locals roam suburb for criminals

Rockhampton locals were especially vocal about their concerns eight months ago, with an angry mob of 100-150 people roaming the streets between residences in a suburb of Rockhampton and holding a rally in May 2023.

Police guarding a home in Norman Gardens as part of the anti-crime rally.

The chaotic scenes were sparked after Torin O’Brien, who ran for One Nation in the seat of Rockhampton in the 2020 State Election, had made a Facebook appeal for information about the identity of alleged thieves who recently broke into his sister’s Wandal home.

Rockhampton man, Torin O'Brien at his Gym today.

Want to hear from regional Queenslanders, victims of crime

The committee announced seven priority areas that have emerged during its inquiry in December 2023, including developing a long-term strategy for youth justice in Queensland and building confidence in the youth justice system.

“The committee wants to hear what regional Queenslanders think about the priority areas identified by the committee,” Ms Bolton said.

“We also want to hear from victims of crime about the challenges they may have faced in accessing support services, such as counselling.”

The committee will consider ways to both stop recidivism and protect the community from offending.

It will also look into opportunities for community-controlled organisations, specifically the role of First Nations peoples to provide support solutions and services.

Justice programs, including on-country programs, education, health and housing services, will come under the committee’s scrutiny.

The interim report will be tabled on March 28.

This publication asked Premier Steven Miles’ and Police Minister Mark Ryan’s offices whether they would be visiting Rockhampton or Gladstone to discuss youth crime issues, but there has been no formal response.

Originally published as Central QLD excluded from parliament’s 2024 regional youth crime hearings