Budget boosting investment in keeping Queenslanders safe

• $1.12 billion investment across the community safety sector in the 2024-25 Queensland Budget
• This includes additional investment of $383.9 million to prioritise protecting Queenslanders and supporting victims
• More investment in grassroot early intervention and Youth Co-Responder Teams

New funding for proven youth justice programs to tackle the root causes of crime underpins the Miles Labor Government’s record investment in community safety in the 2024-25 Queensland Budget.

The 2024-25 Queensland Budget’s massive $1.12 billion investment of whole-of-Government funding will continue to support the most comprehensive crime reduction effort in the state’s history.

A record $383.9 million in funding will focus squarely on evidence-based programs that have a proven track record in tackling the causes of crime and reducing offending.

The programs funded in the Miles Labor Government’s Budget complement the measures outlined in the recently announced Putting Queensland Kids First plan.

Funding includes:

• $11.2 million over two years to increase the capacity of the successful Youth Co-Responder Team program, delivering additional vehicles to hot spots in Cairns and the Gold Coast, as well as new co-responder teams on the Sunshine Coast and in the South West district to engage with at-risk young people and their families.
• $3.5 million over two years to expand Intensive Case Management to the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Redlands, Gladstone, Central West, and youth detention centres. Intensive case managers will work with young people aged 10 to 17, and their families, to help them become more accountable and change anti-social behaviours and attitudes while ensuring they receive tailored programs to address their needs.
• Funding for 16 new positions $5 million over two years for restorative justice conferencing services expansion to ensure victims are supported and experience timely management of their cases.
• $3.3 million over four years for culturally - focussed family partnership responses which prioritise young people who are high risk of offending.
• $8.8 million over four years will be spent on specialist counselling services to address the use of serious violence, particularly by serious repeat offenders.
• Additional funding in the Budget for the design and delivery of the two new youth detention centres in Woodford and Cairns. The new Youth Detention Centre at Woodford, plus the proposed new 40-bed centre near Cairns, will add 120 beds to the state’s youth detention capacity.

Quotes attributable to the Premier, Steven Miles:

"Queenslanders deserve to feel safe, and be safe, in their communities.

“That’s why I released a Community Safety Plan earlier this year to tackle the root causes of crime, while giving police the tools and laws they need.

“My first Budget at Premier reflects our commitment to deliver evidence-based prevention and intervention services to prevent crime from occurring.

“By investing in these areas, we're building a stronger, safer Queensland for everyone."

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“The Miles Labor Government is tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.

"The 2024-25 Queensland Budget is focused on the now while also making long-term investments in the lives of young people and their families that will ultimately lead to a safer, more prosperous future for everyone.

“By investing in early intervention strategies and support programs, we're addressing the root causes of crime, that will ultimately lead to a long-term reduction in offending.”

Quotes attributable to Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer:

“First and foremost, keeping Queenslanders safe is the priority of the Miles Government, that’s why we are investing millions of dollars in evidence-based programs that are proven to reduce the offending and reoffending rates of young people.

“Our Community Safety Plan for Queensland includes new and expanded intervention programs aimed at protecting Queenslanders while tackling the root causes of crime and this Budget delivers that.

“Keeping Queenslanders safe means young people will face consequences and be held accountable, with detention, intervention and prevention.

“It means doing all we can to break the cycle of offending, because when a young person comes into the system, we want to make sure we’re doing our very best to stop them returning.

“Whether it is drug and alcohol abuse in the home, domestic violence, poor family environment or trauma, we are committed to evidence-backed programs to reduce offending by young people and make communities safer.”

For more information visit the Queensland Budget website.

ENDS

Media contact – Gary Shipway 0458 090 906