Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has vowed he won’t be “intimidated by young thugs” after videos emerged online allegedly mocking the state’s youth crime laws.
Speaking on Saturday, Mr. Crisafulli condemned the social media videos and reiterated his commitment to introducing further legal reforms targeting youth offenders.
One TikTok video posted in January showed someone filming inside a luxury car with the caption “Sorry David Crisafulli #Brisbane.”
“I’m not fazed. Let them come,” Mr. Crisafulli said.
“I prioritize victims’ rights over these little punks. We’re going to keep toughening the laws, add more police, and track you down.
“I’m not going to be intimidated by young punks hurling abuse online.”
Queensland Police responded by saying a specialized team of intelligence officers is monitoring youth offenders’ online activity, with over 900 individuals charged so far.
Under legislation introduced by the former Palaszczuk government, offenders who post videos boasting about car thefts on social media can face longer sentences.
Mr. Crisafulli’s remarks come as the next phase of his “adult crime, adult time” legislation is set to be debated in parliament next month.
The proposed changes would see young offenders convicted of 20 additional crimes — including serious offenses — tried as adults and given tougher penalties.
“I say, ‘bring it on’. More changes are coming, and your days of causing chaos are numbered,” Mr. Crisafulli said.
“Every change is about strengthening the laws, and I won’t back down,” he added.
The second stage of the Making Queensland Safer laws will extend to offenses such as attempted murder, rape, arson, kidnapping, and ramming a police vehicle.
Juvenile offenders could face life imprisonment for the most serious crimes.
Meanwhile, the opposition criticized Mr. Crisafulli, arguing he hasn’t delivered on his pledge to resolve the state’s “youth crime crisis.”
“David Crisafulli promised youth crime would be fixed by Christmas,” Labor’s transport spokesperson Bart Mellish said.
“We’ve already seen rounds one, two, three, and four of legislation — how many chances does he need to get it right?”
