Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has appointed Bob Gee as Director-General of a new Department of Youth Justice.
The Premier said no government had committed more to tackling the issue spending a record $550 million including the building and expansion of youth detention centres and 18 programs to rehabilitate youth offenders and stop them committing crimes in the first place.
But the Premier said she is determined not to waste a single dollar or another day.
“These issues cross a number of government responsibilities: police, courts, child safety and education,” the Premier said.
“I want one person with one job: to co-ordinate and see these programs delivered.
“Bob Gee is the perfect person to get the job done,” the Premier said.
“When it comes to marshalling resources and sending them where they’re needed, Bob Gee has proven himself one of the best in the world.”
The Premier said the new department would use existing staff and there are no changes to ministerial responsibilities.
The Premier acknowledged the hard-working public servants who have worked diligently over many years to achieve better outcome for youth offenders, and who will continue to carry on this work under the new department.
Mr Gee will start work on Monday.
“As a life-long police officer, I know exactly what we are dealing with,” he said.
“I applaud the Premier’s leadership tackling this issue head-on.”
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, Di Farmer welcomed Bob Gee’s appointment.
“Bob is 100% committed to helping the new Department continue its journey of reform and improving service delivery, and I look forward to working alongside him to deliver important services and initiatives in Youth Justice,” Ms Farmer said.
“Given the critical role police can play in effecting real change in Youth Justice, Bob’s background will be an additional strength that he brings to the job.”
