Qld premier extols ‘good fall’ in crime rates since law reforms introduced

Premier Praises Youth Crime Law Reforms as Property Crime Rates Fall

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has welcomed the latest crime statistics, which show a promising decline in property crime rates across the state during the Christmas period. The data, spanning from November to the end of January, revealed a statewide decrease of 2.3% in property-related offences compared to the previous year. Specific categories, such as stolen vehicles and break-and-enter offences, saw an even more significant drop of 8%. These figures suggest that the government’s recent youth crime law reforms may be starting to yield positive results. Premier Crisafulli highlighted the progress during a press conference in Brisbane, where property crime rates fell by 4.6% over the same period.

A Step in the Right Direction

Premier Crisafulli described the reduction in crime rates as “a step in the right direction,” while cautioning that there is still much work to be done. He emphasized that the majority of break-and-enter and stolen vehicle offences are committed by young offenders. According to Queensland Police data, 49% of those charged with unlawful entry during the period were juveniles, while minors accounted for 49.8% of those charged for using a stolen vehicle. Over the past four years (2020–2024), young offenders were responsible for 52% of these crimes statewide. In Brisbane alone, minors made up 45% of those charged for unlawful use of a motor vehicle and 41% of those charged for unlawful entries.

The Impact of Youth Crime Law Reforms

The Premier linked the decline in crime rates to the government’s youth crime law reforms, which aim to address the root causes of juvenile offending while holding young offenders accountable. The reforms include stricter penalties, increased police powers, and programs to divert young people away from crime. While the decrease in crime rates is promising, Crisafulli acknowledged that the progress is modest and that sustained effort will be required to achieve long-term results. He also noted a reduction in assault and theft rates, indicating that the reforms may be having a broader impact on community safety.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive trends, the data underscores the ongoing challenge of youth crime in Queensland. In Brisbane, for instance, minors accounted for 54% of recorded robberies and 19% of assaults during the period. These statistics highlight the need for continued focus on addressing the underlying issues driving youth offending, such as social disadvantage, lack of education and employment opportunities, and family dysfunction. Crisafulli emphasized that the government remains committed to addressing these issues through a combination of law enforcement and community-based solutions.

Community Safety and Shared Responsibility

The Premier called on the community to play a role in supporting young people and preventing crime. He stressed that reducing youth crime is not just the responsibility of government but requires a collective effort from families, schools, and community organizations. The data also serves as a reminder that crime rates can fluctuate over time, and sustained progress will depend on the effectiveness of the reforms and the broader societal response to youth offending.

Conclusion

In summary, the recent decline in property crime rates in Queensland, particularly during the holiday period, offers hope that the government’s youth crime law reforms are beginning to make a difference. While the reductions are modest, they signal a positive shift in the right direction. Premier David Crisafulli has urged caution, acknowledging the long journey ahead to address youth crime effectively. The data highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges, underscoring the need for continued efforts to ensure community safety and support for young people at risk of offending.