New police data reveals depth of Queensland youth crime crisis

New police data released today has revealed the extent of Queensland’s youth crime crisis, with more than 50,000 youth crime offences committed in the state so far this year, including by a cohort of Queensland’s most serious young offenders. 

The data paints a clear picture of a state under siege from youth crime, including:

• Far North: 6,829 reported offences by juvenile offenders in 2024, including 78 identified serious repeat youth offenders;
• Townsville: 4,175 reported offences by juvenile offenders in 2024, including 68 identified serious repeat youth offenders;
• Logan: 2,037 reported offences by juvenile offenders in 2024, including 46 identified serious repeat youth offenders;
• South Brisbane: 7,592 reported offences by juvenile offenders in 2024, including 39 identified serious repeat youth offenders.

Premier David Crisafulli said the data clearly reveals the need for the Making Queensland Safer Laws, which will be passed by the Parliament as a priority this week.

“The Making Queensland Safer laws are the first strike back to restore safety where you live, wherever you live in Queensland,” Premier Crisafulli said. 

“Our message is clear: if you do the crime, you will be sentenced to the time. Adult Crime, Adult Time will arrest youth crime and restore safety to Queensland.” 

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Dan Purdie said communities with serious repeat offenders living in their neighbourhoods would benefit the most from the tougher Adult Crime, Adult Time laws.  

“The residents living in these areas have been let down for too long under the former Government who allowed serious repeat youth offenders to avoid adequate punishment and let them continue to terrorise these communities,” Minister Purdie said. 

“Our Making Queensland Safer laws will see an end to police officers trying to do their jobs with one hand tied behind their backs.” 

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services, Laura Gerber said Labor’s failure to act on youth crime was a failure for every Queenslander who deserves to feel safe.  

“From Coolangatta to Cairns and Brisbane to Boulia, juvenile serious repeat offenders are continuing to tear families and communities apart,” Minister Gerber said.  

“Serious repeat offenders deserve serious consequences and the Crisafulli Government will deliver them as we said we would.”