Violent juvenile car thieves will face 14 years’ jail in a suite of increased penalties aimed squarely at keeping the community safe.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the community had been heard.
Violent criminals including young people should receive harsher punishments and the community must be protected.
“My government is listening and we are acting,” she said.
Among the new measures are:
Increasing the maximum penalty for stealing a car from 7 to 10 years’ imprisonment
A more severe penalty of 14 years if the offence is committed at night, where the offender uses violence or threatens violence, is armed or pretends to be armed, is in company or damages or threatens to damage any property
Amend the Youth Justice Act requiring courts to take into account previous bail history, criminal activity and track record when sentencing
Increased penalties for criminals who have boasted about these crimes on social media
Extreme High Visibility Police Patrols
A $9.89 million fast-track sentencing program in Brisbane, Townsville, Southport and Cairns so children spend less time on remand and more time serving their sentences
The construction of two new youth detention centres
The appointment within QPS of Assistant Commissioner to the position of Youth Crime Taskforce Commander
The increased penalties apply to adult as well as juvenile offenders.
Young offenders will be in custody for longer to make sure they can complete requisite rehabilitation and reform programs set out by the courts.
Legislative changes will be introduced in the new year.
“All of the programs to divert children away from crime will continue but the community is demanding tougher penalties too.”
Minister for Children and Youth Justice Leanne Linard said more than two dozen programs to divert children away from crime will continue.
