Today, alongside my Far North Queensland colleagues, I’ve launched a petition calling for stronger bail laws as part of our “Breach Bail, Go to Jail” campaign.
We’ve made real progress with Adult Crime, Adult Time (ACAT), with youth offenders now being held accountable for serious crimes—but we’re seeing a critical gap. Too often, these offenders are being arrested, brought before the courts, and then released on bail, only to go out and reoffend again.
That is why we are calling for the next expansion of ACAT to include tougher bail provisions. Our position is simple: if a dangerous, repeat offender breaches bail, they should go to jail. This reform is about breaking the cycle of reoffending and ensuring there are real consequences for those who continue to put our communities at risk.
This push comes as new data shows that more than half of youth offenders across Queensland are reoffending after being granted bail. That is not acceptable, and it’s clear more needs to be done.
Across Far North Queensland, I am hearing consistently from residents who are frustrated with the revolving door of the justice system.
In our region alone, there are dozens of serious repeat offenders who are well known to police and the courts. Yet despite this, they continue to be released on bail and reoffend—sometimes within hours.
For our community, this campaign is about restoring safety and confidence. Stronger bail laws would mean:
- Fewer repeat offenders returning to our streets
- Stronger consequences for those who breach bail
- Greater support for our police and justice system
- Improved safety for families, businesses, and visitors
This is ultimately about ensuring our laws reflect community expectations. People in Far North Queensland deserve to feel safe, and right now, too many don’t.
This campaign builds on the work we’ve already undertaken through Adult Crime, Adult Time.
We have:
- Introduced stronger laws to ensure youth offenders face real consequences for serious crimes
- Delivered more police resources across Far North Queensland
- Invested in early intervention and rehabilitation programs
- Supported initiatives focused on prevention and long-term community safety
We are starting to see positive results, with stronger laws and increased enforcement making a difference. But the job is not finished.
As it stands, these reforms are being undermined when repeat offenders are released on bail and continue committing crimes. Strengthening bail laws is the next logical step to reinforce everything we’ve already put in place.
This is about putting our community first.
We cannot continue with a system where repeat offenders are given chance after chance while our residents and businesses bear the consequences. Bail should be a privilege, not a right—and when it is breached, there must be immediate and meaningful consequences.
Through the “Breach Bail, Go to Jail” campaign, we are taking a strong stand to close this gap, stop the cycle of reoffending, and make Far North Queensland safer.
I encourage everyone who shares these concerns to get behind this campaign and have their say.
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