Dumb government lawyers say no need for Castle Law, cop it sweet
Sending recidivist bail-breaking criminals straight to jail can only be seen as a good move and should be part of a suit of deterrents and rehabilitation, the Leader of the KAP and state Member for Traeger Robbie Katter has said, responding to the LNP’s latest attempt to curb youth crime.
The state budget contained funding for adoption of KAP’s Relocation Sentencing policy, and the KAP’s Castle Law Bill is before Parliamentary Committee.
“Dangerous kids need to be locked up, so it’s good to see the government deciding to stay true to their word on this one,” Mr Katter said.
“They’ve also committed money to implement KAP’s relocation sentencing, which is great, but you have to acknowledge the lack of fanfare around that announcement.
“Relocation sentencing, remote and court-ordered, takes kids away from all their negative influences, and pulls them into line – teaching them the value of work and providing them with real skills. Not a chance to learn from their mates how to be a better criminal while in Cleavland Bay jail, Townsville.
“A decade on from first presenting the concept to Queensland, there’s hope that it’ll become a reality.
“The next chance the government has to provide a deterrent and protect homeowners is to adopt Castle Law,” Mr Katter said.
113,000 Queenslanders signed the largest e-petition in Parliament’s history calling on parliament to put the rights of victims ahead of criminals and enshrine the right to defend your home in law.
“When 113,000 people from right across Queensland take the time to sign a petition it’s hard to ignore. You know you there are plenty more who agree and support the right to defend your property,” the KAP leader said.
“Queenslanders are sick of being scared in their own home, wondering if they’ll be the next victim, while having to consider the consequences of defending their home should the worst happen.
“The government in responding to the e-petition had their lawyers all over it, saying there’s no need to change the law. Well tell that to those who have to spend tens of thousands on legal fees and hours in court, all because the criminals were touted as victims.
“Any would-be criminal needs to be second guessing what awaits them behind the front door. The law must make it clear – a homeowner can defend their home by whatever means necessary, and the law will side with the homeowner, not the criminal.
“Queensland needs strong deterrents, court-ordered remote sentencing, and consequences for breaking bail.
“The Government’s announced two out the three – ball is now in their court to adopt Castle Law,” the KAP leader said.
