The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s joint police and youth justice co-responder program continues to prevent youth crime on the streets of Mackay.
The Mackay co-responder team is one of eight dedicated teams operating across Queensland working to keep communities safe.
Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert said the co-responder program was setting young people up for the future.
“Co-responders are helping to put young people in Mackay on the right track,” the Minister said.
“They are improving young people’s job prospects by organising work experience opportunities and mentoring them through the Project Booyah and Transition to Success programs.
“This on the ground support makes a real difference. It is an innovative way for law enforcement to engage with young people and help make our community safer.”
Minister for Children and Youth Justice, Leanne Linard, said the Mackay co-responder program has engaged with young people in Mackay more than 700 times since the program started 12 months ago.
“Working through the peak period of Wednesday to Saturday, they’ve been monitoring and engaging with vulnerable young people across the CBD and other parts of the city.
“This is an important service. The team aren’t waiting for crime to occur – instead, they’re helping to prevent anti-social behaviour and offending from occurring in the first place.”
Co-responders in Mackay say the young people they speak to are often experiencing a complex range of issues, including feeling unsafe at home.
Ms Linard said this was typical of many young people who become entrenched in the youth justice system.
“A core part of the co-responders’ work is to connect vulnerable young people to support services,” she said.
“There are some wonderful services in Mackay, but many young people don’t know they exist, have never thought about seeking help, or are unsure how to approach them. This is where the co-responders come in, by facilitating these connections.”
The 2021–22 budget allocated $11.9 million for the co-responder initiative. Co-responder teams also operate in Townsville, Cairns, Moreton, Rockhampton, Logan, Brisbane North and the Gold Coast.
