Labor fails to keep residents safe amid crime scourge

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has accused Labor of failing in their duty of care to keep people safe amid a spate of crimes in Townsville.

A NEWLY re-elected State Labor Government is failing in their duty of care to keep people safe as crime continues to run rampant in Townsville, says Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto.

Mr Dametto said tensions in the community were at “boiling point” after another major incidents over the weekend that saw a man allegedly pursue a stolen vehicle and a Mt Low couple terrorised by two break and enters over two days.

“These brazen incidents are a stark reminder that today’s laws and punishments do not deter scum like this committing this type of crime. The State Labor Government have a responsibility to protect Queenslanders and they are failing to do so,” he said.

“This is why some otherwise law-abiding residents feel like they have no choice but to take matters into their own hands. The only way we can put a stop to vigilantism is to put an end to this crime spree. I believe law reform is necessary. Crimes like break and enter, home invasion and unlawful use of a motor vehicle must carry a mandatory minimum sentence – no excuses and no going soft on punishment because of some rubbish story taking into account a criminal’s drug addiction or hard done by upbringing.

“Don’t steal, don’t go to jail should be the message sent to would-be offenders through harsh penalties.”

Mr Dametto said he had met the Mt Low man who had been terrorised by criminals when he approached police officers at the Bushland Beach Markets on Sunday.

“He had just chased a young man out of his home that had entered his property in broad daylight via an open garage door. The accused had stolen his wallet and keys off the kitchen bench just 1.5 meters from where his wife was standing,” Mr Dametto said.

“Police responded to the incident, started their investigation and gave the gentleman some advice on what to do next to try and keep his property safe. But then early this morning, it appears that the lowlife thieves returned, ramming the garage door of the property to gain access. A short struggle between one of the thieves and the home owner broke out where he fought off the assailant.

“It’s both heartbreaking and infuriating to hear stories like this. A person’s home is their castle and when it is violated by these lowlifes, that feeling of safety and security just evaporates.”

Mr Dametto vowed that he and his fellow Katter’s Australian Party MPs Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth would continue fighting “until we see a drastic change in how property crime is dealt with in this state”.

“Until we have punishments that fit the crime, there is a very real risk that we will have a tragedy on our hands involving law-abiding residents and criminals,” he said.

“The State Labor Government needs to stop fluffing around the edges, ignore the do-gooders and take real action that will keep people safe.”