Mandatory boot camp order expands to Cairns

The Government’s sentenced youth boot camp at Lincoln Springs, west of Ingham, continues to outperform with new figures revealing a massive drop in vehicle offences following the Government’s introduction of a mandatory order for juvenile vehicle offenders in Townsville.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the Government has today expanded the mandatory boot camp order to Cairns, based on the outstanding success in Townsville.

“The Government made a commitment to Queenslanders that we would make this state the safest place to raise a family and since the introduction of the mandatory boot camp order for Townsville vehicle offenders, vehicle crime court matters have dropped dramatically in the region,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The mandatory boot camp order means a young offender convicted of two or more offences of unlawful use of a motor vehicle will be ordered to take part in the camp as part of their sentence.

“Since the orders were introduced in May, the average number of motor vehicle offences a month has been slashed by a massive 76 per cent, which is an incredible result.

“Between May 2014 and October 2014, the monthly average of vehicle crime was 11 offences, compared to the same period in 2013’s average of 46 a month.

“Vehicle crime was a huge problem in Townsville but now far fewer residents are waking up to find their car stolen or wrecked.

“The Government listened and shared the frustrations of residents in the north when it came to youth crime and our strong, effective solutions are delivering results.

“We know the far north is experiencing similar problems to what Townsville had which is why we’re expanding the mandatory order to Cairns.”

Member for Cairns Gavin King, who lobbied for the expansion, welcomed today’s decision. 

“Finally, there is a Government that listens to the people of the far north,” Mr King said.

“One of the biggest crime problems for Cairns families was car theft and we are taking targeted, effective action with these mandatory boot camp orders.”

Member for Barron River Michael Trout said the Government was delivering on its commitment to overhaul the youth justice system, after years of inaction and mismanagement by the former Labor Government.

“The results speak for themselves. The Lincoln Springs camp is rough, remote and it’s working to reduce everyday crime,” Mr Trout said.

“These vehicle offenders are taken away from their destructive environments and taught discipline and respect for themselves and other people on a working cattle farm.”

The Lincoln Springs sentenced youth boot camp is two hours’ drive west of Ingham and 37 young people have taken part since it opened in December 2013.

[ENDS] 24 November 2014

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Jaime Wells 0409 624 139