Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey has expressed her disgust at the State Government’s limp-wristed efforts in the fight against graffiti that arrogantly used their numbers to vote against a Bill introduced by the LNP in State Parliament to combat graffiti offences in our community.
“The Criminal Code and Other Acts (Graffiti Clean-Up) Amendment Bill, which were defeated in parliament yesterday, aimed to make all people convicted of graffiti offences held responsible for their actions through compulsory community service clean-up orders in addition to any other penalties issued by the courts,” Ms Stuckey said.
“Yet again, this tired Bligh Government which, with its massive majority, voted down this sound and responsible legislation put forward by the opposition – legislation that would make our neighbourhood safer.
”Residents are sick and tired of the lacklustre performance of the current State Government. Over 3,000 people who responded to my recent community survey and an overwhelming number of individuals indicated that their top priorities were law and order issues, in particular hooning and graffiti.
“The message I am receiving loud and clear from my electorate is that people have had enough of vandals creating havoc and spoiling our public facades and personal property, and they want tougher sentences in place.
“Graffiti is a scourge that not only creates unfavourable impressions of the area but also negatively impacts on local residents as it lowers property values, makes people feel unsafe and encourages other types of crime if not adequately addressed.
“If the Premier and Government Members were really serious about cleaning up our community and taking a tough stance on graffiti, they would have supported this Bill, which provided a workable solution to removing graffiti whilst educating the perpetrators.
“Once again Labor’s silent six members on the Gold Coast have indicated that they are soft on crime, soft on graffiti, and soft on protecting their communities.”
ENDS