Government finalises Crime Statistics Unit

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has revealed the funding and model for a new independent crime statistics body.

$2.7 million has been budgeted this financial year on establishing the Crime Statistics and Research Unit (CSRU) in the independent statutory office of the Queensland Government Statistician Office.

“Understanding crime statistics, offending behaviour and the impact of policies and programs on offending behaviour is key to developing effective policy,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The CSRU must be independent and transparent in order to have the trust and confidence of the Queensland public.

“This model utilises existing QGSO staff and infrastructure while remaining independent.

“It moves responsibility for reporting criminal statistics away from criminal justice agencies to a recognised and already independent statistician’s office,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Mrs D’Ath said the CSRU would be more than a data collection agency, providing research, analysis and reports into crime trends.

“The CSRU will undertake criminal justice research and data analysis, and report the information in a meaningful way. This reporting will play an important role informing public debate and aiding policy makers and administrators” she said.

“Crime statistics inform public debate and the development of public policy, so it is essential that Queensland has a central authoritative source of data,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“We know there are no easy answers when it comes to reducing crime and addressing its underlying causes, but what is crucial is the availability of quality statistics and analysis.

“When developing policy to tackle crime, we want effective solutions which balance the need for rehabilitation, punishment and community protection.

“Unlike the LNP, we’re not about fear-mongering or headline-hunting. We want policy which will be effective in the long-term, breaking the cycle of crime.

Mrs D’Ath said a number of options were considered to meet the need for independent and accurate statistical reporting, with this model chosen after full analysis.

“This was an election commitment of the Palaszczuk Government and is consistent with recommendations from a number of inquiries and reviews, including the Queensland Organised Crime Commission of Inquiry 2015 and the Taskforce on Organised Crime Legislation 2016.

“We have also built on the Queensland Audit Office reports in relation to crime statistics.

“This model will allow the development of an independent and authoritative information service which links available crime data from criminal justice agencies.

The first analysis is expected by March 2018.

Media Contact: Kirsten MacGregor 0417 675 917