LNP announces early school intervention plan to prevent at-risk young people from entering a life of crime

The LNP state government will spend $40 million to create four early intervention schools in Queensland that would aim to prevent younger children from becoming juvenile offenders.

The statement came on the same day the LNP launched an advertising campaign on youth crime spearheaded by the LNP candidate for Capalaba, Russell Field, whose son Matt and his pregnant wife Kate Leadbetter were hit and killed by a juvenile offender in a stolen car in 2022.

The LNP says youth crime is a key part of the party’s campaign to win the October 26 state election.

LNP leader David Crisafulli said the four early intervention schools would accompany two youth justice schools, designed for young people acting under court orders.

However, Treasurer Cameron Dick was quick to condemn the plan, saying it “makes no sense”.

“This is another investment that comes from the $40 million he announced for two schools.

“What we see today is another $40 million investment that cannot deliver results.”

Mr Dick said serious youth recidivism in Queensland had fallen by 14 per cent in the past six months.

“It’s not just the Southeast, it’s the entire state.

“We saw a 24 per cent reduction in Townsville and a 21 per cent reduction in Logan.”

Laura Gerber, the LNP’s youth justice spokeswoman, said it was crucial to get children into care before they become young offenders, and existing special support schools only catered for struggling young people from the age of 10.

“We have seen no investment from the state government in those early years, no intervention in grade seven to prevent young people from dropping out of school at an early stage,” she said.

“That’s when we see young people disengage—when they move from primary school to secondary school.”

The LNP initiated the plan at the Men’s Business Academy (MOB) in Southport, which was to be the first recipient of the funding.

Ms Gerber said the aim of the programme was to target a younger group of repeat offenders before they go on to commit serious offences.

MOB Academy founder Marco Renai welcomed the news and said the school currently educates boys in grades 11 and 12 who do not attend mainstream schools.

He added that the reports came from schools and government institutions, as well as from single mothers.

“Single mothers who are just lost and don’t know what to do with their sons — we’re creating a circuit breaker for them,” Mr. Renai said.

“When they leave school, they have qualifications, good mental and social health, a driving licence and all the skills they need to cope or receive support in life.

“Giving Young Children Hope”

Mr Crisafulli said three of the four new schools would be eligible to bid.

He added that the LNP wants to combat youth crime “every step of the way.”

“It’s about giving young kids hope, opportunity and structure.

“Honestly, what is happening in Queensland right now is just unreal.

“And it doesn’t work because early intervention has fallen into the background.

“We have a comprehensive plan that includes all three elements: early intervention at the highest level and rehabilitation with a focus on the purpose and consequences of the actions taken.

“If we can achieve all three, we can ensure that the youth crime crisis does not spiral out of control.

He said the LNP government would be held accountable for reducing the number of crime victims.

“Ultimately, it’s the casualty numbers that matter. That’s what we’re focused on reducing the casualty numbers.”