Recently, a victim of crime, local businessman, Karl Vass organised a community meeting held at the Home Hill Skate Park on August 2, 2023.
The meeting was attended by a number of Home Hill and other Burdekin locals, business owners, local police and council representation.
This was an opportunity for the community to share their experiences, to support each other and to vent their frustrations with youth crime.
As I was at Parliament on the day of the meeting, I attended a meeting with the organiser prior to the event to listen and discuss the issues and possible solutions at hand for the Home Hill community.
The frustration being felt in Home Hill is similar to what is happening throughout Queensland.
Under the current laws, there are no consequences for actions and the judiciary can only sentence young offenders to detention as a last resort.
Clearly, the current government puts more emphasis on the rights of offenders than the rights of victims.
It is true that all community members have a role in addressing youth crime and the people participating in community patrols are definitely playing their part.
However, all community members need to ensure that their actions don’t result in them ending up on the wrong side of the law.
As I have for several years now, I will continue to advocate for victims of crime and to call on the current government to make the necessary changes to address this issue.
To date unfortunately the current government has refused sensible suggestions that would make a real difference and ensure people could again feel safe in their own homes.
