TOWNSVILLE CRIME HOTSPOT

An Australian Army Veteran Has Told a Public Hearing into the New Queensland Government’s Proposed Youth Justice Laws She Felt Safer Serving Overseas than in Townsville

The Queensland town of Townsville has found itself at the epicentre of a heated debate over youth crime and justice, with residents expressing a mix of hope, frustration, and concern over proposed reforms aimed at tackling the issue.

Jillian Joyce, a sports business owner and Australian Army veteran, delivered a powerful testimony during a public hearing in the city. Joyce, who served in the Solomon Islands after the riots, painted a stark picture of the challenges facing her hometown.

“I felt safer on that deployment than I do at night in my own home,” she said, recounting an August incident in which four young offenders broke into her home and stole her work car. “That speaks a lot about the impact these repeat offenders are having on our community.”

Her story resonated with others in attendance, highlighting a growing public fear over youth crime in regional Queensland.

Proposed Reforms

The newly-elected LNP government, led by David Crisafulli, has pledged to introduce sweeping youth justice reforms by Christmas. The proposed laws would amend existing legislation, including the Children’s Court Act 1992, the Criminal Code, and the Youth Justice Act 1992. Key changes include:

• Mandatory minimum and maximum penalties for serious offences such as murder.
• Removal of the principle that detention should be a last resort.
• Introduction of the “adult crime, adult time” policy, resonating with voters who demand stricter accountability for young offenders.

Marty Hunt, Chair of the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee, described regional Queensland as “ground-zero of the youth crime crisis,” underscoring the urgency of legislative action.

Divided Opinions

While many residents expressed support for the reforms, concerns were raised about potential unintended consequences.

Indigenous advocates Lee-Toya Sirriss and Alfred Smallwood Jr emphasized the need for holistic approaches to rehabilitation. Sirriss pointed to a lack of discipline in homes and called for comprehensive on-country programs to address underlying issues.

Smallwood questioned whether harsher penalties alone would deter crime. “As it is, when people go in and out of detention, all they do is meet up with their peer groups,” he said.

Prominent local barrister Harvey Walters acknowledged the tough stance of the new laws but highlighted a potential anomaly: juvenile offenders could face stricter sentencing than adults for certain crimes. “That is something that needs to be tweaked within the legislation,” Walters said.

Community in Crisis

The urgency of the issue is underscored by a recent surge in crime across Townsville. In a single week, the city saw multiple businesses targeted in ram-raids and break-ins, including an e-scooter shop that was hit twice in six days.

Joyce’s testimony captured the broader frustration of many residents: “I do believe we should help those offenders who are able to be helped to make better choices, but there are some offenders that need some significant consequences.”

As Townsville grapples with its youth crime crisis, the proposed laws aim to strike a delicate balance between accountability and rehabilitation. Whether these reforms will succeed remains to be seen, but for many in the city, they represent a much-needed step toward restoring safety and confidence in the community.