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Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed the state government is seriously considering the introduction of “breach of bail, go to jail” laws.
He credited sitting members in Far North Queensland – including Mundingburra MP Janelle Poole and Townsville MP Adam Baillie, who were both present at the press conference – for pushing for the laws following community feedback.
The proposed breach-of-bail policy was put forward by Hinchinbrook LNP MP Wayde Chiesa during his byelection campaign late last year, and has long been said to be under consideration by the Crisafulli government.
“We’re having a really serious look at that and the opportunity for bail reform is something that this team here has pushed really hard,” he said on Saturday in Townsville.
“Changes to legislation are always something that come with different views. I understand that. But they’ve mounted a really credible case and I want people to know that I do listen.
“I am mindful that we’ve made changes, that is starting to see a bit of pressure go back and put the balance of power back in favour of the officer rather than the offender. But we do have a long way to go, and I made the commitment that every change we make would be about stronger laws not weakening laws which is what we’ve seen for a long period of time.”
Crisafulli said the northern MPs have been drafting legislation with the relevant ministers, but have made no commitments.
Poole said the laws are “not rocket science”.
“If you are locked up, you cannot break into someone’s house. You cannot steal their car. And we make no apologies if you are continuing to do the wrong thing. You will be locked up.”
During his budget reply earlier this week, Opposition Leader Steven Miles vowed a re-elected Labor would set up an independent crime data bureau.
Miles said the independent body, accountable to parliament, would build on the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and oversee the release of crime data “without the politics”.
Money for the new crime data bureau is expected to be drawn from existing funds.
At the press conference on Saturday, the premier was also pushed about reports of children in care sleeping on the floor at child safety service centres.
He repeatedly said he had asked for a briefing about the matter and would not discuss specifics.
“I’ve asked them to make sure that they give transparency to Queenslanders. That’s vital that that happens.”
Shadow Treasurer Shannon Fentiman and Shadow Child Safety Minister Corrine McMillan called for Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm to be stood down over the news.
Fentiman said Camm has had too many failures, noting the Unify IT rollout put children at risk, as well as the decision to bring forward the deadline for the commission of inquiry into child safety.
“This child safety minister’s time is up,” she said. “This premier promised to hold his ministers to account. He promised that there would be KPIs in place, and those ministers that weren’t performing would not stay in their job.”
Fentiman later criticised the premier for his response, and said requesting a briefing is nowhere near good enough.
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