A HEATED political dispute has erupted over the surge in youth crime across the Redlands, with former state member for Capalaba Don Brown calling on the LNP to match his $2.7 million commitment to fund the local youth organisation, TRACTION for Young People.
TRACTION, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people through skills development and mentorship, has become a central focus in the ongoing debate over rising youth crime in the region.
The call for funding comes after a wave of criminal activity in Redlands, including five car thefts and a high-speed police chase on Australia Day.
“We have seen an explosion of crime in Redlands since the LNP passed the Adult Crime, Adult Time,” Mr Brown said. “The public were told by Russell Field and David Crisafulli before the election that these laws would be a deterrent and clearly it is not working – youth crime has got worse.
“I am pleased that since the Redlands crime wave started, Russell Field is now talking up my plan to support TRACTION in the media.
“But talk is cheap, I committed $2.7 million to TRACTION at the election to ensure a further 480 kids could participate in their program. We need Russell Field and David Crisafulli to match this funding today.”
In response, new Member for Capalaba Russell Field said Capalaba residents know Mr Brown’s talk is cheap.
“He denied the youth crime crisis and failed to restore safety for our community, but in contrast the Crisafulli Government is already delivering a fresh start which includes a $100 million investment in early intervention programs and open for applications,” Mr Field said.
Mr Field also defended the LNP’s approach, which includes tougher penalties under the Adult Crime, Adult Time laws and a focus on rehabilitation and early intervention.
“Capalaba voted for a fresh start and the Making Queensland Safer Laws to make our community safer, which is exactly what the Crisafulli Government is delivering, just as we promised,” he said.
He added that the government had already implemented Adult Crime, Adult Time laws for five specific offences and was working on expanding this to include more complex crimes.
