LNP would allow judges to consider criminal history for young offenders
Judges will be able to consider the full criminal history of young offenders, under an election proposal by Queensland’s Liberal National Party.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has announced a plan to āunshackleā the courts by introducing laws allowing the consideration of youth offendersā full criminal history when sentencing.
These include police cautions, restorative justice agreements and breaches of supervised release orders.
Childhood criminal behaviour will also be admissible during sentencing as an adult, as part of the LNPās Making Queensland Safer Laws.
The LNP has pledged to roll out these laws before Christmas if elected at the October 26 poll.
The LNP which has been in opposition for nine years, maintains a steady lead in the polls just over a month before election day.
āWe have to make sure that all of the facts are given to the magistrate so that an appropriate penalty can be given,ā Mr Crisafulli said on Tuesday.
āCurrent circumstances allow for young criminals to have a rap sheet āa mile long and then the clock starts again when they turn 18ā, he added.
Other parts of the LNPās community safety plan include adult sentences for crimes committed by youths, removing breach of bail from law and opening dedicated deterrence schools for juveniles.
Premier Steven Miles hit back at the LNP, saying its proposal is another initiative that views crime as an opportunity for politicking.
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He queried why the LNP didnāt add the amendments to a recent crime bill debated in parliament.
āIf this was about community safety then they would have put this forward when they had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago,ā Mr Miles told reporters.
āInstead, theyāre announcing it just prior to an election campaign because they see crime as a way to win votes. Thatās not my words, thatās what their police spokesperson said.ā
Mr Miles said the governmentās community safety plan was showing progress and was backed by police data.
āNow is not the time to change away from the plan that we know is working just because David Crisafulli sees it as his way to win the election.ā
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