Palaszczuk government criticised for breach of bail backflip

A North Queensland MP has hit out at the Palaszczuk government for its backflip decision to reintroduce breach of bail as an offence for youths after years of insisting it was a “failed policy.”

• Qld to reintroduce breach of bail as an offence

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has hit out at the Palaszczuk government for its backflip decision to reintroduce breach of bail as an offence for youths after years of insisting it was a “failed policy.”

The Federal MP said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk appears to have “finally admitted she got it wrong” after revealing she would adopt breach of bail for younger offenders.

It comes after the state government previously dismissed calls to reintroduce the measure, repeatedly declaring the measure would not be effective.

Mr Thompson said the government still opposed it as recently as Sunday.

“Les Walker, Scott Stewart and Aaron Harper have told us for years this was a failed policy,” he said.

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“They have failed us and should resign immediately.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart defended the backflip decision saying the Palaszczuk Government “does not look at this issue with a singular approach.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart. Picture: Matt Taylor

“No amount of crime is acceptable and the government takes community safety seriously,” he said.

“I’ve always said we would listen to the community and this is one of the ideas they have put forward.

“We will always do what’s best for the community including taking a bipartisan approach to tackling youth crime.”

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper echoed his comments and said this was about listening to the community.

“Community safety is paramount,” he said.

“We have always said we will work with the community when it comes to tackling this issue.

“As I have said multiple times there is no singular way to tackle this and it’s important we work together.”

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said reintroducing breach of bail as an offence would “add another tool to our kit” to address crime.

“I always have and always will listen to my community and look at all approaches to tackling this issue,” he said.

In June, Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman emphatically dismissed attempts by the Opposition to push for the government to reintroduce the bail reforms.

“Breach of bail did nothing to reduce crime,” she told parliament at the time.

Originally published as Palaszczuk government criticised for breach of bail backflip