To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland,

The petition of the residents of Queensland draws to the attention of the House the escalating youth crime rates in the Cairns region, which are having a detrimental impact on public health and safety, the tourism industry, business costs, increasing insurance for families and devasting our community. The current justice system, including initiatives such as the Murri Court, is failing to deter repeat offenders, resulting in a community that feels imprisoned in its own homes due to increased security measures and fear of retribution.

We, the undersigned, believe it is essential to introduce innovative and effective solutions to combat youth crime and break the cycle of offending. A proven model, such as the Operation Hard Yakka military-style youth diversion program, currently operating in Fraser Coast, offers a robust alternative to traditional detention centres. This program not only instills discipline and responsibility in young offenders but also provides them with the skills needed to reintegrate into society as productive citizens.

Given the success of this program in other regions, we strongly advocate for the establishment of a similar mandatory military style youth diversion training centre in the Cairns region, near Lotus Glen. This initiative would target youth offenders who are currently failing to respond to lenient measures and serve as a more impactful alternative to detention centres, which often perpetuate the cycle of crime.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to support the immediate development and implementation of a military style youth diversion training centre near Lotus Glen in the Cairns region as a key strategy to reduce youth crime, improve public safety, and offer real pathways to rehabilitation for young offenders.

Your petitioners