A Sunshine Coast business owner who was the victim of a youth assault says stronger bail laws are needed to protect the community, as MPs launch a statewide petition calling for reform.
Shane Kensett, who owns the Dicky Beach IGA, fronted a press conference on Monday alongside Caloundra MP Kendall Hatcher, as part of a renewed campaign calling for tougher bail conditions for repeat youth offenders.
The “Breach Bail, Go To Jail” campaign is seeking public support for changes that would strip bail from dangerous reoffending youth criminals and strengthen consequences for repeated breaches.
Mr Kensett suffered a concussion, broken nose, cuts and bruising in August, when he was assaulted by six youths outside his store.
He said ongoing offending was putting pressure on local businesses and staff.
“We’ve had several incidents in the store where breach of bail has occurred,” he said.
“One offender was released again and went on to cause about $34,000 worth of damage to a friend’s car and property.
“There needs to be a line drawn in the sand that this behaviour is not acceptable.”
New figures cited by MPs show 52 per cent of youth offenders across Queensland reoffend after being granted bail, which they say is placing further strain on communities.
Ms Hatcher said the data showed the current system was not meeting community expectations.
“We do not want kids in Caloundra out there committing crimes. And the reality across the Sunshine Coast is that people that are breaching bail, kids that are breaching bail, are doing that on average three times,” she said.
“So, they’re on a merry-go-round of going around the court system.
“Courts have a responsibility to impose sentences that meet community expectations and currently they’re not meeting the mark.”
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
Nicklin MP Marty Hunt said stronger consequences were needed for repeat offenders.
“As a former police officer, I’ve seen firsthand the frustration of victims who watch repeat young offenders cycle through the system without meaningful consequences,” he said.
“Queenslanders expect dangerous repeat offenders to be held accountable for their actions.”
The proposed changes would build on existing measures including increased policing, early intervention and rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing youth crime.
Ms Hatcher and Mr Hunt urged residents to sign the petition.
