The upcoming Hinchinbrook by-election has become a battleground for youth justice policies, with LNP candidate David Kempton unveiling a controversial plan that would see young offenders jailed for breaching bail conditions.
In a move that's set to ignite debate across Queensland, Kempton has promised to introduce mandatory detention for juveniles who violate their bail terms, describing the current system as "broken" and in need of drastic reform.
The Zero-Tolerance Approach
"If you breach your bail, you will go to a watch house or youth detention centre," Kempton declared during his campaign launch. This hardline stance represents a significant departure from current practices, where young offenders often receive multiple chances despite repeated bail violations.
The policy announcement comes amid growing community concern about youth crime in regional Queensland, particularly in areas like Townsville and Hinchinbrook where property offences and car thefts have dominated local headlines.
Political Reactions and Community Response
Current Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has thrown his support behind the proposal, stating that the community has "had enough" of revolving-door justice for young offenders. However, critics argue that the policy represents a return to failed tough-on-crime approaches that could exacerbate rather than solve youth crime issues.
Youth advocacy groups have expressed alarm at the proposal, warning that detention should be a last resort rather than a first response. They point to research showing that early incarceration can increase the likelihood of reoffending and disrupt education and rehabilitation efforts.
Broader Implications for Queensland
The Hinchinbrook by-election, triggered by the resignation of former MP Andrew Cripps, has become a testing ground for law and order policies that could shape the political landscape ahead of the next state election.
With both major parties positioning themselves on youth crime, the outcome in Hinchinbrook may signal voter appetite for stricter approaches to juvenile justice across Queensland.
As the campaign intensifies, residents are left weighing the promise of immediate safety against concerns about the long-term impact of tougher penalties on young lives and community relations.
