The Queensland Government has committed to provide $15.452 million in funding over four years to the Queensland Police Youth Crime Taskforce.
The commitment delivers certainty for the Taskforce to continue its operations and with the Making Queensland Safer Laws in effect, gives police the strong laws needed to be effective in tackling youth crime.
This ongoing funding will support 16 full-time staff in targeting high harm offending through targeted operations including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.
Youth Crime Co-Responder teams will also become a permanent fixture, empowering young people to make positive choices and aiming to reduce the number of young people committing offences.
Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, said that setting the Taskforce in stone was another step towards unlocking the grip of the youth crime crisis on Queensland.
“For Queensland to successfully unravel a generation of youth crime we need permanent laws and a permanent policing presence,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Today’s announcement means the Youth Crime Taskforce can focus on the survival of Queenslanders, not looking over its own should for its own ongoing survival.
“Adult Crime, Adult Time gives the Taskforce the tools it needs to make our community safer and this decision locks in the resources to focus on closing the revolving door on youth criminals.”
Queensland Minister for Police, Dan Purdie, said that the funding worked hand-in-glove with stronger laws to empower police to do their jobs effectively.
“The State Government has secured $15 million in funding to support the front-line and enforce the toughest youth crime laws Queensland has ever seen,” Minister Purdie said.
“Our message to police is clear: we’ve got your back, and will give you the certainty, resources and powers you need to do your job properly.”
Queensland Police Service Commissioner, Steve Gollschewski, assured Queenslanders the service was committing to addressing youth crime from every angle.
“My priority is ensuring the community is, and feels safe, by targeting offenders causing harm to our community,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“We continue to see positive results through Taskforce Guardian, Operation Whiskey Legion, and proactive activities including high visibility patrols and engagements with young people.”
