Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers calls for courts to be held accountable in response to unrest in border communities

In response to unrest in communities along the Qld-NSW border, Queensland’s border boss wants courts to be held accountable for soft sentencing of serious and violent offenders, and that’s not all he wants brought to the table.

Southern Queensland border residents are not alone in their disappointment of our court and judicial system.

The incessant crime has taken a toll on residents, who despite protest from police have time and time again been forced to watch a violent offender released back into the community.

Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers has called out the court system’s failure in allowing serious and violent offenders to be released back into the community.

Mr Leavers said there needs to be more accountability on the court and consideration of how sentencing will affect those communities.

Cross-border commissioner Ian Leavers, Goondiwindi. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The court could’ve done better. It is disappointing to see the courts release these offenders who are committing serious life imprisonment offences back into the community,” he said.

“I do support that (LNP’s Adult Crime, Adult Time policy) in circumstances where these life imprisonment offences are being supported and I would even go further on some measures.

“What we need to do is ensure that the courts react accordingly and do what are the wishes of the people of Queensland, and I think that is going to be a challenge as we move forward.”

Mr Leavers said a judicial complaint commission would hold courts to account and ease pressure on police.

“There is a lot of good work being done by police on both sides of the border who are working together and sadly at times they are let down,” he said.

Mr Leavers said there was no reason border policing couldn’t become more simplified, with the current system complicating power and authority.

Burnt out home in Boggabilla near Goondiwindi. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The current system is problematic. Police in NSW and Queensland have certain authorities in the adjoining jurisdictions but I think we should be able to simplify this,” he said.

“Now that is not to say that Queensland police will be responding to all calls for service in NSW or vice versa. That is not the intention.

“This is so they can follow up on the investigation of serious crimes and apprehend the offenders when an offence is committed in a cross-border location.”

Mr Leavers said these efficiencies would allow police on both sides to focus on proactive policing.

For the newly-appointed border boss, police and courts is just one area he’s vying to change, with border bureaucracy spanning well beyond crime and justice.

“I want the border to be seamless whether it’s police, transport, agriculture, education and health,” he said.

Mr Leavers said the concerns raised by Goondiwindi and other border residents had not fallen on deaf ears.

“A lot of issues have been identified and we are working forward but Goondiwindi is not a crime capital,” he said.

“It is a vibrant, good community with good people.

“I was also able to get some funding for the International Legends of League to come out (to Goondiwindi) and that was an event that brought everyone together, not only in Goondiwindi but Toomelah and Boggabilla.”

While it might appear to be a slow moving wheel, Mr Leavers assured residents there was work being done.

Police and courts aside, occupational licensing restrictions also weigh heavily on cross-border businesses and the local economy.

“It’s ironic in Queensland that you can operate in Brisbane and Townsville, but if you’re in Goondiwindi you can’t operate in Boggabilla without having to get all these other licences, registrations and insurance,” he said.

“That is a real impediment to the working person and the economy, and that’s where we need to start moving forward.”

Mr Leavers will continue to meet with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and ministers within his government to progress his solutions for border communities.

Originally published as Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers calls for courts to be held accountable in response to unrest in border communities