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After giving some more detail on health yesterday, the LNP has shifted its focus back to youth crime and early intervention today.
Speaking from the Southside Comets FC in the Cairns suburb of Edmonton, LNP leader David Crisafulli announced the latest measure to target kids before they end up in court.
Under his plan, community organisations will run voluntary, residential “reset” programs for kids aged 10-15 at risk of falling into the criminal justice system, each lasting up to three weeks.
David Crisafulli, youth justice spokesperson Laura Gerber and Southside Comets FC president Keiren O’Brien inspect recent security upgrades at the football club.Credit: Matt Dennien
There would be one in each of the state’s far north, north, west, central, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich and Darling Downs, and Gold Coast and Logan regions.
The programs would take eight to 10 kids at a time, and could offer sports, adventure, skills, cultural or service activities. Referrals could be made by teachers, police, and family.
Most kids would be allowed to stay within their region, with Crisafulli adding that some kids “might have a better opportunity to turn themselves around in another neighbouring region, but that would be the exception”.
The programs are expected to be running by 2026, and would cost $50 million over four years, should the LNP win government this month.