Victims of the state’s youth crime crisis have had a massive win, with the Queensland Government agreeing to implement an Independent Advisory Group to help address the issue.
The committee will be fast-tracked after the “Voice for Victims” advocacy group met with Ministers for the first time on Wednesday to voice their concerns and hash out ideas to try and stamp out the crisis, which is currently wreaking havoc across the state.
The Police Commissioner, Police Minister, Youth Justice Minister and Attorney General were among those in attendance at yesterday’s meeting.
“While we continue to refine the tools we have, we will never relent when it comes to dealing with offenders, and it is imperative that the voices of crime victims are front and centre,” Police Minister Mark Ryan said following the sit-down.
“The establishment of the Independent Advisory Group is another important opportunity to build on the work we have been doing as a government.”
The Acting Premier echoed those sentiments, declaring the Government acknowledges the “anger, fear and trauma experienced by victims of crime across the state”.
“We are committed to making sure Queenslanders feel safe and heard and this advisory group will provide another critical step for consultation and discussion,” Acting Premier Steven Miles said.
“We’ve been listening to and working with victims of crime, and one of the things they’ve said to us is there needs to be a stronger voice for victims in the system.
“Having spent time with victims of crime after those crimes have been perpetrated, I’ve seen firsthand how they can sometimes feel lost, how the system can seem overwhelming and how alone they can feel.
“An Independent Advisory Group will engage with victims of crime, helping to identify how things can be done better.”
