Tougher penalties and stronger enforcement to tackle metal theft

• The Crisafulli Government is delivering stronger laws to stamp out scrap metal theft and electrical equipment damage. 
• Harsher penalties will reflect the level of danger or financial impact to victims of scrap metal theft.
• Highest penalty of 25 years imprisonment applies where a life is endangered, or theft occurs during a natural disaster.
• The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer after Labor failed to take action on metal theft during their decade of decline, despite the issue being subject to a parliamentary inquiry. 

The Crisafulli Government has today passed legislation delivering stronger protections and tougher enforcement powers to crack down on metal theft, which has impacted community clubs, critical transport infrastructure, construction sites and mining operations across Queensland. 

Despite scrap metal theft being subject to a parliamentary inquiry in 2023, the former State Labor Government took no legislative action and left the issue unaddressed during their decade of decline. 

Unlike Labor, the Crisafulli Government is committed to cracking down on metal theft. Key features of the reforms to disrupt the theft, sale and disposal of stolen scrap metal include: 

• Increasing penalties for stealing and wilful damage, where the life or health of a person is endangered or the offending occurs during a natural disaster, to 25 years imprisonment. 
• A new offence of attempted metal theft, where any person who attempts to steal a valuable metal item will now face a maximum of 7 years imprisonment.
• Stricter identification and record keeping requirements for scrap metal dealers.  
• Penalties for scrap metal dealers who fail to report suspected stolen property and unlicensed second-hand property to Queensland Police will be increased. 

Attorney-General Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said she is proud the Crisafulli Government was delivering vital reforms to combat scrap metal theft.  

“We’re sending a clear message that stealing or damaging critical electrical infrastructure will not be tolerated, especially when lives are put at risk,” the Attorney-General said. 

“These crimes cause major disruptions and cost Queensland communities millions of dollars every year - whether it’s local sports clubs, transport networks, or essential services like water and telecommunications, metal theft has damaging impacts right across our state. 

“The Crisafulli Government is taking action to make Queensland safer and protect vital community infrastructure after the former Labor Government ignored key recommendations.”