Queensland legal experts compare LNP 'adult crime, adult time' policy to failed Newman bikie laws
The Queensland opposition's latest announcement to combat youth crime has been panned by legal experts, with one comparing it to Campbell Newman's failed bikie legislation.
The LNP launched its "adult crime, adult time" policy yesterday, which would see minors tried as adults for serious crimes, should the party win government in the October state election.
These include offences like murder, manslaughter, serious assault, grievous bodily harm and the dangerous operation and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Queensland Council for Civil Liberties vice president Terry O'Gorman likened the policy to when the Newman government introduced legislation to crack down on bikies in 2013, without engaging in consultation.
"It was a Newman government law and order gimmick where that government's rhetoric could not successfully be put into practice," Mr O'Gorman said.He claimed comments made by Opposition Leader David Crisafulli yesterday, demonstrated necessary policy work to support the proposal had not been completed.
"Law and order slogans are one thing. Doing the hard work to fix Queensland's juvenile justice system is quite another."
'More violence, more lockdowns'
Queensland Law Society president Rebecca Fogerty said the policy would do little to address the systemic issues at the root of youth crime offending.
"Calling for longer sentences in a struggling detention system will not fix the problem of youth crime," Ms Fogerty said.
"It will lead to more overcrowding, more violence, more lockdowns, less education and less rehabilitation.
"This will compound the issues we know give rise to serious repeat offending."
Mr Crisafulli didn't directly respond to Mr O'Gorman's comments when asked about it, instead reiterating the motivations for the policy.
"We are determined to make sure that we drive the change that Queenslanders deserve.
"Whilst I will always treat people with respect, whilst I'll always listen to different points of view, I respectfully say, after a decade of watering down the laws and listening to the view that there is nothing that needs to change, that is the wrong approach."
'Sensationalising crime ... to win seats'
Premier Steven Miles accused the opposition of exploiting youth crime for votes.
"What I care about is keeping the community safe, and I know the best way to keep the community safe is with an evidence-based, expert-informed, comprehensive plan for community safety," he said.
"The LNP have been extraordinarily honest about the fact that they see crime and sensationalising crime as their way to win seats."
Mr Crisafulli said he'd listened to Queensland residents, for many of whom the youth crime crisis had become personal.
"Queenslanders have this front and centre in their minds, and I want them to know that I've listened and we are putting forward the kinds of laws and early intervention programs to make a difference."
Victim of crime backs LNP
The press conference was held at the home of the family of Vyleen White — the Ipswich grandmother who was fatally stabbed at a shopping centre in February.
The 70-year-old was allegedly killed by a teenage boy while she was with her six-year-old granddaughter.
Ms White's daughter, Cindy Micallef, today backed the LNP's policy.
"We were brought here by the most horrific circumstances by losing my mum, and our family's just been devastated by this tragedy," she said.
"The government is inactive. They're just saying what people want to hear.
"They're not actually doing anything about it, and enough is enough."
She's the latest high-profile victim of crime to stand with the opposition, after the "adult crime, adult time" policy was championed by Russell Field — father of Matthew Field, who was killed alongside partner Kate Leadbetter and their unborn child by a teenager driving a stolen car.
Mr Miles said his government was committed to supporting victims, with the appointment of interim Victims' Commissioner Jon Rouse, and bolstering of victim support services.