James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai
Read the full storyNational Police Remembrance Day Today, the community of Ingham came together to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Queensland Police Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The National Police Remembrance Day Service, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, offered a solemn and poignant moment for reflection, remembrance, and respect. Since 1861, 151 Queensland Police officers have lost their lives while protecting and serving communities across the state.
Read the full storyEach year, a team of Hinchinbrook Emergency Services Cadets travels to Brisbane to attend the prestigious ESCAPE Week, a program that brings together cadets from across Queensland to experience life at multiple emergency services. This year, three Hinchinbrook cadets participated: two senior cadets attending as leaders and one as a program participant, accompanied by Cadet Coordinator Mark Regazzoli. The week kicked off at Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), Bribie Island, where cadets underwent an
Read the full storyThe Hurley Bus Since launching in December last year, the Hurley Bus has already completed more than 400 bookings, providing free transport for elderly, frail, and palliative community members. The service, run entirely by volunteers through the Ingham Palliative Carers Committee, offers a safe, reliable, and compassionate way for people to stay connected and attend important appointments. The eight-seat bus is wheelchair accessible and travels throughout Ingham, the surrounding districts, Card
Read the full storyAfter years of strongly advocating for Queensland youth offenders, who commit the most heinous crimes, to be sentenced as adults, I was please during last week’s parliamentary sitting to see the state government introduce its latest tranche of Adult Crime, Adult Time legislation.
The new crimes added to this piece of legislation now align with Katter’s Australian Party’s (KAP) original Adult Crime Adult Time policy. I would like to personally thank everyone who joined in to advocate for crimes such as rape and attempted murder to be added to the list. It still baffles me why they were left out of the original Making Queensland Safer laws in the first place.
These changes are a step in the right direction, but until we address the issue of current incarceration methods, any changes to the law will have little effect on the behaviour of youth offenders. We must find a detention method that acts as a deterrent while also being cost effective.
KAP has long advocated for relocation or bush sentencing to be an alternative option for judges when dealing with youth offenders. I am pleased to hear that the LNP government has in part adopted this policy and will soon commence planning and a tender process for their version of it which has been renamed ‘Circuit Breaker Sentencing’.
I am advised that the aim of this program will be to detain youth offenders in remote detention facilities with a combined total of 60 beds. I believe this is the Government’s best chance at really making a difference to youth crime rates and will offer the best avenue for turning around the lives of repeat youth offenders.
But we won’t stop there. I will continue advocating for the introduction of mandatory minimum sentencing and Castle Law to be legislated in Queensland. The kids in this state need to understand that the game is up, and I won’t stop until that message is heard loud and clear.
Contributed with thanks to Nick Dametto MP Member for Hinchinbrook