Following the recent spate of youth crime in the Burdekin, victims are urged to come forward and share their stories in order to better inform decisions made by a newly announced Youth Justice Reform Select Committee.
This Queensland Government committee will consist of three government, three opposition members and an independent representative and is set-up to examine the youth justice system including support for victims and reducing re-offending.
Community members have until January 10 to submit their own stories so they can better inform the committee on how locally experienced acts of youth crime are affecting our region.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said that this is an opportunity for victims to speak up and create change in policies affecting both the Burdekin and the State.
“Our community has seen more than its fair share of youth crime,” Mr Last said.
“It is an issue affecting the whole state and it is important that victims, and people with ideas to help, are heard no matter where they live.
“We have seen youth crime result in tragedies and, each and every time, there is an outpouring of anger followed by a government announcement.
“The fact is that, every single day, we are seeing people’s lives affected and they also deserve to be heard and their stories need to be told.
“I’ve been called a scaremonger for talking about the experience of victims and the fact that people are scared and I hope this committee process will result in an end to the denial and name-calling so that the rights of victims are finally recognised.
“You can’t fix a problem by denying it exists and then by downplaying its effects. If me calling on people to have their say results in positive change that puts an end to people feeling scared and frustrated, then that’s a win for the community.
“If, on the other hand, victims speak up and the government refuses to act, it will send a clear message about the government’s priorities.
“This cannot be a talk-fest that doesn’t produce results but, if it is, people will know that the only way to get the issue addressed is via the ballot box.”
Mr Last said more information on how to make a submission is available via his webpage and social media pages or by contacting his office on 4767 0500.
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