The Queensland Liberal National Party has launched a new campaign headlined by crime victim Russell Field as it attempts to win over voters ahead of this year’s State Election on the 26 October.
Russell Field lost his son Matt, daughter-in-law Kate and unborn grandchild Miles, when a teenager hit them with a speeding car.
“Under Labor, Youth Crime is out of control,” Mr Field said in ‘The Change we Need’ video posted across social media.
“My son, daughter-in-law, an unborn grandchild were victims, walking their dog, when a teenager, driving a stolen car, killed them all.”
“He had been to court seven times, and was out on bail.
“We need to shut the revolving door on bail, get these kids off the streets and prevent crime before it happens by keeping them on the right track to begin with.
“That’s the change we need, to have safety where we live.
“Nothing will change unless we change the government next month.
The Change We Need campaign reflects the collective community outrage and demand for change from Queenslanders who are faced with Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis in their streets, in their schools and businesses, and in their homes.
“Other families shouldn’t go through what we’ve been through and I can’t sit by any longer and watch Labor tell us this is just a ‘media beat-up’,” Russell said.
“Steven Miles and Labor are trying to shirk the blame for weakening our laws.
“I’m sick of the excuses, time’s up for Labor.”
Russell Field has been chosen by the LNP to run for the seat of Capalaba in next month’s election.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli said only the LNP would restore safety where you live, with Adult Crime, Adult Time and gold standard early intervention to stop crime before it happens.
“When I met Russell I promised him we would restore safety where you live and I’m honoured he’s standing with the LNP,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We will deliver the change Queenslanders like Russell are asking for.
“We have stood shoulder to shoulder with Queenslanders who have lost their loved ones, their neighbours and their friends.
“Labor’s failures have seen crime skyrocket, with almost 300,000 Queenslanders victim to violations like car theft, break-ins and assaults, just last year.
“Queenslanders have been held hostage by Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis, but the LNP will restore safety where you live with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Recorded Crime data in December 2023 showed the number of young criminals in Queensland has increased 6 per cent to 10,878 offenders in the last year.
The number of juvenile Serious Repeat Offenders in Queensland increased from 465 in December 2022 to 482 now.
In April 2024 , a new report revealed the number of young criminals in Queensland jumped 5.2 per cent to 11,191 offenders, with 11 of those charged with murder.
