Townsville residents living hellish crime nightmare

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto.

10 May 2024

In the wake of a recent wave of continued criminal activities engulfing Townsville streets, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has unleashed a scathing attack on the State Labor Government for being all talk and no action when it comes to youth crime.

Earlier this week, a group of six youth offenders were allegedly behind a relentless spree of vehicle thefts and robberies spanning from early Monday morning until Wednesday afternoon which included the theft of seven cars in one night, a carjacking at knife point and the theft and arson of a cancer sufferer’s Ford Ranger. The group was charged with a total of 44 offences.

The Katter’s Australian Party Deputy Leader said the Miles Government had tried to portray they were taking crime seriously but in reality, the police helicopter, the announcement of a new Intensive On Country Program and Labor’s most recent youth crime bill were nothing but time-buying strategies aimed at carrying them through to the October election.

“On one hand the Government claims crime rates are dropping, then on the other hand they claim Townsville needs a permanent police helicopter; and also, Cairns and the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Dametto said.

“We haven’t seen or heard any outcomes from the Expression of Interest process for the Intensive On Country program that closed back in March as the sand of time runs out on this government.

“During the last sitting week, the Labor Government introduced the Queensland Community Safety Bill 2024 which included rewriting the provision “detention must be a last resort” and several minor changes to the Youth Justice Act, but the bill seems to be more focused on having a swing at law abiding firearm owners which is deeply concerning.

“While Labor skirts around the real issues the LNP continues to hide under their petticoat, Queenslanders want and deserve more. This is why last week we introduced our Castle Law bill, to give victims of home invasions the protections and rights they deserve when faced with the prospect of defending their property and loved ones.

“If Labor were 100 per cent focused on reducing youth crime, they should be deeply considering our bill, especially with the amount of public support Castle Law is gaining.

“To start making a difference this government must also be laser focused in removing the recidivist youth offenders from our streets, it’s time to ‘send em’ bush’. That’s why I’m calling on the Premier to immediately release the outcome of the Intensive On Country EOI process and move swiftly to bring some relief for Townsville residents living in this gangster’s paradise.”

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