REDLANDS businesses, workers and families are set to receive stronger protections under new laws aimed at cracking down on antisocial behaviour in local shopping areas.
The Crisafulli Government reforms will introduce Designated Business and Community Precincts, giving police expanded powers to move on offenders and ban repeat troublemakers from key commercial hubs where intimidation and violence have been a growing concern.
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young MP said the changes were designed to support small businesses and improve safety across the community.
“Small businesses are the heart of our community, and the people who work in them deserve to feel safe when they come to work,” Mrs Young said.
“I’ve spoken to local business owners who have experienced antisocial behaviour and intimidation firsthand, and they are calling for stronger action.
“These reforms will give police the powers they need to move on troublemakers, ban repeat offenders and prevent violence before it escalates.”
“This is about restoring safety where you live, work and shop, including right here in the Redlands.”
Mrs Young recently visited Jones & Co IGA in Redland Bay, where owner Tyrone Jones outlined the impact antisocial behaviour can have on staff and customers.
Mr Jones said ensuring staff felt safe at work was critical for local businesses.
“It’s extremely important my employees feel safe when they come to work. We can’t have team members feeling threatened or bullied in their workplace by outside influences. We need to provide a safe work environment for all of our team members.”
He said incidents around shopping precincts could affect both workers and the broader community.
“Our centre is a real hub for the community, and people need to feel safe when they come here,” he said.
“We do get young people coming up from the nearby park, and if they’re not behaving in a socially acceptable way it can cause distress for customers and our team members.
“Some of the behaviour we’ve seen here simply isn’t acceptable, so I’m really pleased to see these laws coming in that give police the power to actually do something about it.”
Mr Jones also welcomed the extension of Jack’s Law wanding powers into designated precincts.
“I think it’s great,” he said.
“These types of stores are community hubs, and extending those powers means police can detect knives and weapons before something serious happens.
“That helps make sure our staff and customers are safer.”
Under the reforms, police will be able to issue 24-hour move-on directions to offenders, impose banning notices of up to one month for repeat or serious offenders, and establish designated precincts in targeted areas.
The legislation will also extend Jack’s Law wanding powers into these precincts, allowing officers to detect knives and other weapons without a warrant.
Failing to comply with these directions will be a criminal offence.
Mrs Young said the changes strengthened police powers and formed part of a broader plan to improve community safety.
“For too long communities have had to put up with antisocial behaviour that drives customers away, intimidates workers and hurts local businesses,” she said.
“The Crisafulli Government is backing our police, backing small business and restoring safety where you live.”
