Tuesday, 4th August 2020
A future LNP Government will provide North Queensland with an extra 60 police officers and close Labor’s failed bail houses for good, the party’s Deputy Leader Tim Mander announced today.
“The Townsville region has suffered a shocking surge in crime because of the soft Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Mander said.
“Only an LNP Government will keep the North Queensland community safe.
“The LNP will close down Labor’s failed bail house experiment and we will put more police officers on the ground to fight crime.
“Sixty extra police officers will be stationed in this region over the next four years under a future LNP Government.
“This commitment will ensure police have the resources they need to keep the community safe and prevent and detect local crime.
“My message to criminals and to their victims is clear – there will be no more slaps on the wrist under an LNP Government.
“The LNP will bring back consequences for crime.”
Mr Mander said Labor’s bail houses were a $70 million failed experiment, with bail house occupants recording a shocking re-offending rate of 84 per cent.
“Just last month LNP Leader Deb Frecklington and Shadow Police Minister Dan
Purdie revealed our comprehensive youth crime plan in Townsville, because we
understand how serious the situation is,” Mr Mander said.
“Since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier, robbery has skyrocketed 180 per cent, armed robbery is up 193 per cent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle has increased 93 per cent and unlawful entry has risen by 84 per cent.”
LNP Candidate for Mundingburra and veteran Queensland police officer Glenn
Doyle said there will be tough consequences under an LNP Government.
“Only an LNP Government will end Labor’s crime wave,” Mr Doyle said.
“The LNP will implement tougher laws, monitor youth
offenders on bail 24/7, introduce mandatory detention for third convictions,
establish a Community Payback Farm program and bring back breach of bail.
“Labor’s ‘catch and release’ laws that let juvenile offenders get away with
crime will be scrapped once and for all and only the LNP will fund a dedicated
police helicopter in Townsville.
“Everyone has a right
to feel safe in their own homes and I’m frustrated with the number of stories I
hear every week from concerned residents and business owners who are fearful.
“I’ve dedicated my career to protecting others and I will continue to fight for
the people of Mundingburra.”