A supermarket owner who was attacked outside his store has backed the expansion of the state government’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws.
The government last week introduced 12 new laws to parliament that will expand the policy to 45 youth crime offences.
Premier David Crisafulli said expanding adult crime, adult time would reduce victim numbers and turn the tide on youth crime.
“We promised Queenslanders we would continue to strengthen our youth crime laws and put the rights of victims first, and that’s exactly what we are doing,” he said.
IGA Local Grocer Dicky Beach owner Shane Kensett suffered a concussion, broken nose, cuts and bruising last August when he was allegedly assaulted by six youths outside his store. He said he supported the expanded laws.
“Frankly, if it happened now they would be charged under the adult crime, adult time laws, which would be more significant for them,” he said.
“What I am finding is that the new crime laws, whether for charges or just a deterrent, may help get communities back to feeling safe going out and enjoying their lives.”
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He said the response to his ordeal showed people were fed up with youth crime, but emphasised that early intervention was also important.
“I was very surprised at the outpouring from the local community – sympathy for myself but anger that it happened,” he said.
“It comes across that they’ve had enough. They’re sick of seeing this behaviour and want to live in the community we all know and love.
“Obviously it starts early. Prevention is the best method. It starts much younger to stop it getting to this stage.
“I’d like to see the pathways the government has developed implemented so that by the time it gets to this age – what I feel is the vulnerable age – they know right from wrong rather than thinking they can do whatever they want and get away with it.”
Caloundra MP Kendall Morton said the expanded laws would help curb youth crime.
“What the adult crime, adult time legislation does is give the courts the tools to deliver consequences for actions that meet community expectations,” she said.
“After a decade of decline under former government laws, our communities have experienced the impact of higher victim numbers. We’ve had a generation of kids able to run free and now the courts will have more tools to keep our communities safe.”
Ms Morton said the 12 additional offences – which include assault occasioning bodily harm; conspiring to murder; unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment or abuse; and endangering the safety of a person in a vehicle with intent – were formed with consultation from experts.
“The government engaged with an expert legal panel and these reforms go through a robust committee system,” she said.
“We hear from victims all over the state as well as other stakeholders about the real impact youth crime and the youth crime crisis has had on our communities.
“This has affected people in their homes, businesses, and has a huge impact on the entire community. For the people of Caloundra, knowing that additional tools have been added across the last 18 months gives police more resources and the courts more tools.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the adult crime, adult time laws were already making a difference.
“It will take time to turn the tide on youth crime but already we have seen a reduction in victim numbers and serious repeat youth offenders,” she said.
“We are finally on the path to breaking the cycle of crime in this state and youth offenders are not only facing serious consequences for their actions but, we are also delivering early intervention and intensive rehabilitation programs.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington added: “We’re giving judges and magistrates the tools they need to hand down sentences that reflect community expectations.”
