- Just four weeks since the Crisafulli Government delivered Queensland's first Designated Business and Community Precinct, police have taken action to restore safety in Maryborough's CBD.
- The new laws have already resulted in Queensland's first charge for Contravening an Initial Police Banning Notice, demonstrating the stronger legislation is working as intended.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering stronger laws and giving police the tools they need to make Queensland safer after a decade of Labor's Youth Crime Crisis.
Queensland's first Designated Business and Community Precinct is making Maryborough safer, four weeks since being introduced, with Queensland Police using the stronger laws to crackdown on antisocial behaviour in the CBD and turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis.
Since the Precinct commenced on 1 July to make Queensland safer, Queensland Police have:
- Conducted 397 street checks;
- Scanned 179 people under Jack's Law;
- Charged 32 people with 59 offences including 18 drug-related offences, 8 public nuisance and good order-related offences and 4 weapons-related offences;
- Issued 11 banning notices and 12 move-on directions; and
- Laid Queensland's first charge for Contravening an Initial Police Banning Notice under the new laws.
The Designated Business and Community Precinct was introduced following strong advocacy from the Member for Maryborough John Barounis and extensive consultation with the Maryborough community, who called for stronger action to address persistent antisocial behaviour that escalated after a decade of Labor's weak laws.
The Designated Business and Community Precinct is making Queensland safer by giving police the laws to issue 24-hour move-on directions and banning notices of up to one month for repeat or serious offenders engaging in disorderly, offensive, threatening or violent behaviour.
The reforms have also expanded Jack's Law wanding capability, allowing police to search for knives or other weapons within the Precinct, without a warrant to help prevent violence before it occurs.
While the stronger laws are holding offenders to account, police are also working alongside support services to address the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour.
Since the Precinct commenced, officers have made numerous referrals to support services, helping vulnerable people secure accommodation.
The reforms are part of the Crisafulli Government's Making Queensland Safer plan, which is delivering stronger laws, more police, early intervention and effective rehabilitation to restore safety where you live.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the new Precinct was restoring safety in Maryborough.
"For too long, local businesses, workers and families were forced to put up with unacceptable behaviour after Labor spent a decade weakening the laws and allowing Youth Crime and antisocial behaviour to spiral," Minister Purdie said.
"These results show the legislation is doing exactly what it was designed to do, giving police the laws to deal with repeat troublemakers while helping those who genuinely need support.
"We've already seen the first person charged with Contravening an Initial Police Banning Notice, proving there are real consequences for those who ignore police directions and continue disrupting the community.
"Just as importantly, these reforms aren't only about enforcement - they've also helped connect vulnerable Queenslanders with support, including one person experiencing homelessness who has now been assisted into accommodation.
"Queenslanders deserve to be safe when they visit their local CBD, and the Crisafulli Government will continue giving police the tools they need to restore safety where people live, work and do business."
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said the community had fought hard for stronger laws.
"The Crisafulli Government listened to our community, acted on our concerns and is delivering practical reforms that are making a real difference in Maryborough," Mr Barounis said.
"I want to thank our hardworking local police, who are using these laws to restore safety in our town and send a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated."
Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said the Designated Business and Community Precinct was already delivering positive outcomes for the Maryborough community.
"Maryborough CBD is integral to the liveability of our city. The community sentiment around the boosted police presence within the Designated Business and Community Precinct has been positive, particularly from small business owners," Acting Superintendent Inskip said.
"This trial is run alongside ongoing local operations with a range of stakeholders to address the root causes of antisocial behaviour and increase community safety.
"Police are committed to ensuring residents and business owners are safe, and we will continue to work extensively with external agencies to listen to and respond to emerging community concerns as the trial progresses."
