General News
13 October, 2026
Premier meets crime victims
HARROWING stories of car jackings, break-ins, car theft, assaults and shopfront damage were at the centre of discussions with the Premier David Crisafulli, at a special meeting in Mareeba last week.
A wide cross-section of long-term community members were invited to meet with the premier at Member for Cook David Kempton’s office last Thursday, following the recent Justice and Integrity Committee hearing held in Mareeba.
Mr Kempton said over a dozen people, mostly victims of crime, opened up to the Premier, who had promised to come to Mareeba to hear firsthand how the previously quiet farming town has been ravaged by the impact of youth crime.
The meeting also heard from educators, youth workers and community housing about the importance of diversion and rehabilitation programs to steer young offenders away from a life of crime.
The group was impressed by the story of a young local man who took an opportunity to turn his life around after years in and out of juvenile detention for car theft and other offences.
Mr Kempton said his message was clear that reoffending often occurred because there were no consequences for actions and most young offenders will, if given the opportunity and support, move away from crime.
Mr Crisafulli assured everyone present that he was listening and would continue to work with residents to get their town back.
“These are the kinds of experiences that move us to do the biggest changes to bail reforms in Queensland’s history that will be the strongest bail laws in the country.”
Mr Kempton said the social and economic impact of crime on Mareeba over several years was “saddening”.
“There is hardly soul in town who has not been, or knows someone who has been, a victim of crime. This is a community problem, and we will continue to work together as a community to find a community solution.”
