Published Sunday, 01 April, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
SPENCE ASKS TASKFORCE TO INVESTIGATE WEAPONS USE
The Youth Violence Taskforce will examine the use of knives and other weapons, by young people, Police Minister Judy Spence said today.
“I have been appalled by recent reports of young people attacking others with knives.”
“It is alarming that some young people carry knives and weapons for the sole purpose of attacking others.” Ms Spence said.
“Last weekend, three young men were injured during a fight between two groups of males at South Bank, in which knives were used.”
“South Bank is a family-friendly environment and it is unacceptable for young people to be carrying knives and demonstrating such anti-social behaviour.”
The Taskforce has been presented with research showing young men between 15 and 19 make up the single highest category of offenders against other people in Queensland.
In 2005-06, they also made up a significant proportion of all Weapons Act offences.
“As parents we need to explain to our children that carrying any kind of weapon including a knife is an offence and will not be tolerated by police and may result in a prison sentence.”
The Taskforce is now working on a number of submissions to combat the problem of youth violence.
Since it was established last November, the Taskforce has already examined extensive data on youth violence including trends and causes and the role of alcohol and drugs, Ms Spence said
“Work is already well underway on a number of initiatives, including a Taskforce submission to the Liquor Act review.”
Research shows alcohol is a primary cause of violence amongst young people, particularly young men.
Ms Spence said the Taskforce submission to the Liquor Act review will recommend new laws prohibiting supply of alcohol to minors by parents and regulating Internet sales and supply of alcohol to young people.
“Parents, adult supervisors and retailers need to know, it is unacceptable to provide alcohol to under-age drinkers,” Ms Spence said.
”Many young people experiment with alcohol and drugs and it is important they are continually reminded of the risks and the penalties.”
The Taskforce will also recommend increased monitoring of alcohol promotions and has put in a submission to Drinkwise for funding for a detailed education campaign in regards to alcohol consumption.
At the most recent meeting the taskforce examined family circumstances which can lead to youth violence and over the next month will develop potential recommendations and areas for further investigation.
“It is clear, a child’s family environment can have a huge impact on their social behaviour,” Ms Spence said.
“We have to work with community groups to provide positive opportunities and programs for young people, struggling to find warmth and encouragement at home.”
“Already, the Taskforce has identified that through a combination of strong laws and community programs, we can find ways to reduce youth violence.”
“We may not be able to solve every problem, but we will present recommendations that will go a long way toward addressing the issues.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicola Hazell - 0408 732 491
“I have been appalled by recent reports of young people attacking others with knives.”
“It is alarming that some young people carry knives and weapons for the sole purpose of attacking others.” Ms Spence said.
“Last weekend, three young men were injured during a fight between two groups of males at South Bank, in which knives were used.”
“South Bank is a family-friendly environment and it is unacceptable for young people to be carrying knives and demonstrating such anti-social behaviour.”
The Taskforce has been presented with research showing young men between 15 and 19 make up the single highest category of offenders against other people in Queensland.
In 2005-06, they also made up a significant proportion of all Weapons Act offences.
“As parents we need to explain to our children that carrying any kind of weapon including a knife is an offence and will not be tolerated by police and may result in a prison sentence.”
The Taskforce is now working on a number of submissions to combat the problem of youth violence.
Since it was established last November, the Taskforce has already examined extensive data on youth violence including trends and causes and the role of alcohol and drugs, Ms Spence said
“Work is already well underway on a number of initiatives, including a Taskforce submission to the Liquor Act review.”
Research shows alcohol is a primary cause of violence amongst young people, particularly young men.
Ms Spence said the Taskforce submission to the Liquor Act review will recommend new laws prohibiting supply of alcohol to minors by parents and regulating Internet sales and supply of alcohol to young people.
“Parents, adult supervisors and retailers need to know, it is unacceptable to provide alcohol to under-age drinkers,” Ms Spence said.
”Many young people experiment with alcohol and drugs and it is important they are continually reminded of the risks and the penalties.”
The Taskforce will also recommend increased monitoring of alcohol promotions and has put in a submission to Drinkwise for funding for a detailed education campaign in regards to alcohol consumption.
At the most recent meeting the taskforce examined family circumstances which can lead to youth violence and over the next month will develop potential recommendations and areas for further investigation.
“It is clear, a child’s family environment can have a huge impact on their social behaviour,” Ms Spence said.
“We have to work with community groups to provide positive opportunities and programs for young people, struggling to find warmth and encouragement at home.”
“Already, the Taskforce has identified that through a combination of strong laws and community programs, we can find ways to reduce youth violence.”
“We may not be able to solve every problem, but we will present recommendations that will go a long way toward addressing the issues.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicola Hazell - 0408 732 491