Frecklington: Labor's 2016 Laws Bred Repeat Offenders

Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has blamed Labor's 2016 rollback of youth justice laws for fuelling the state's crime surge, telling 4BC Brisbane the decision effectively signalled to young people that stealing cars and breaking into homes carried no meaningful consequences.

Speaking to broadcaster Gary Hardgrave, Frecklington said the Crisafulli government inherited a deeply entrenched problem. "We have bred a generation of these hardcore repeat offenders," she said, pointing to what she described as the highest increase in the state's crime rate on record.

The comments come as a group of MPs from North and Far North Queensland push for stronger bail laws following the death of a newlywed in a car crash allegedly caused by a driver who had breached bail. Frecklington said the tragedy in Cairns was front of mind. "My heart goes out to the family, the loved ones, and everyone in that region who is really suffering," she said.

Critics have noted that current law changes are largely focused on juvenile offenders, leaving a gap for adult bail breaches. Frecklington acknowledged the concern directly, saying the government is "actively considering" what further action is needed on breach of bail — and that any changes would apply to adults as well as young people.

"We have to get it right," she said, adding that she is the "first to say there is a lot more to do."

Hardgrave pressed Frecklington on the pace of reform, reflecting frustration shared by many Queenslanders who feel the justice system still treats victims as afterthoughts rather than people deserving of ongoing support. Frecklington defended the government's record on victim services, pointing to a dedicated DPP victims hotline, outreach workers visiting regional centres such as Townsville, and an online portal allowing victims to track their matters through the courts.

She also highlighted the role of Victims Commissioner Lindy Atkinson, whom she described as a strong advocate who gets into communities and speaks up on behalf of those affected by crime.

Still, Hardgrave argued that a gap persists between ministerial intent and the lived experience of victims navigating the system. "Somewhere between you and the victim, there is a failure," he said.

Frecklington conceded the scale of the challenge but said victim numbers are gradually declining — a trend she acknowledged was not yet enough. She said she would continue pushing reform through the courts and legislative processes wherever possible, describing her role as reflecting the expectations of everyday Queenslanders, not just those of the legal establishment.

Pressure from Queensland's north is unlikely to ease. Regional MPs and broadcasters alike are calling for the government to move faster on both bail reform and victim support — with many saying communities have been waiting for change for decades.