When it comes to #youthjustice it can be hard to have a reasoned discussion. We see the emotive nature of debate, and in Queensland politics there isn't a party currently in parliament that is putting forward evidence based solutions to counter the terrible policies of Labor and LNP. I want to discuss one of the solutions that has been put forward, by Robbie Katter. His plan for remote detention camps isn't a good one, but there is merit within it that certainly isn't found in Labor's plan to commit egregious human rights abuses. There are two main reasons why Katter's plan isn't viable. The first reason is that any youth justice policy must acknowledge the fact the majority of affected people are Indigenous, and the forced removal of kids from their families and communities smacks a little too close to a Stolen Generations level of trauma. These kids are rarely steeped in lore, so to say this plan is based on an Indigenous culture practice of social isolation has little relevance to their situation. The second issue, and the more important reason as to why it isn't viable, is that the plan does not address the lack of services and assistance that lead these kids down the wrong path to begin with. If there is no support when they return from these camps, then it is completely useless as they'll be back to their old life before long. There is a model that is proven successful, that does have some similarities with Katter's plan. In Toowoomba there is an incredible social enterprise called Emerge. They run a youth hub with access to wraparound services such as councillors and social workers, and are currently building a remote farmstay for youth to go and learn life skills while they sort their life out. The biggest difference is that it is entire voluntary, and the hub is always there when these kids return. Emerge is entirely unfunded by government, and they have an incredible track record of helping kids get away from pathways that would otherwise lead to a life of crime. If there were more of these hubs all across Queensland, we would see dramatic improvements in youth justice and reductions in crime. That's what is missing from Katter, Labor and LNP, and that is what I want to bring in with Queensland Progressives. https://lnkd.in/eQFPDRPk
Edward Carroll’s Post
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Homelessness is *partly* a housing problem, but there is more too it than that. What we are lacking right now is a coordinated response to homelessness, that collectivises resources and stops the need for the bulk of assistance to be coming from personal charity. I have been calling for a declaration of a state of emergency on homelessness, so we can use disaster management principles to open crisis shelters and work together to support people while we fix the levels of housing.
Chair, Lord Mayor's Better Suburbs Initiative; Director Suburban Futures; National Executive Committee ULI Australia; Independent advisor.
Homelessness in Brisbane? But this isn't Skid Row in LA, the Tenderloin in San Fran or much of New York? Or is it? How in a country of such wealth did we let ourselves get to this situation, and how do we avoid it following the path of many US cities? Any number of corporate sleep outs won't solve this, however well intentioned: we need to also understand how to avoid making the same mistakes. US Professor Gregg Colburn is in Brisbane for a breakfast next week to share what he has learned about the factors driving homelessness. It's not what you might think. Come along and gain a better understanding of what not to do. Register for "Homelessness Is A Housing Problem: An Industry Event For Real Change" next Thursday at 7.30am at BCEC. Here's the link for your tickets: https://lnkd.in/eJ8A_qTy Robert Pradolin GAICD
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if you want action on male violence, climate change, homelessness, youth justice, affordable housing, and so much more, then we are the party for you. Join us at https://lnkd.in/eQFPDRPk
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I went along to the wonderful Multicultural Festival put on by SSI at the Kingston Butter Factory last night. We have such an amazing community of diverse cultures, but sadly that's not being reflected in politics. Queensland has the lowest levels of diversity at all levels of government. There is better levels of representation in the Wiggles than there is in Queensland politics! My party Queensland Progressives is going to change that, come and join us if you want more positive politics! https://lnkd.in/eQFPDRPk
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Today the petition to declare a state of emergency on homelessness will be tabled in parliament, and Minister Scanlon will have 30 days to respond. We need to see a change in the way governments and councils are responding to this crisis, and start to use disaster management principles to provide shelter and resources while we work on the housing side of the issue. Norm McGillivray Samantha Bing
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if there's one thing I can guarantee, it's that governments (and oppositions) are not being honest when it comes to youth justice. the politics won't change until we change the politicians, join a party or movement that centres evidence and lived experience.
Governments must listen to expert advice when it comes to youth justice and invest in community-led solutions, Indigenous children's organisations say. Stay in the know, subscribe to our FREE newsletter ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g4GVrRJZ
Governments urged to 'be honest' on youth justice
nit.com.au
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Big thank you to Bill McDonald for having me on to talk about the campaign to declare a state of emergency on homelessness in Queensland. This issue is getting worse, and without action more people are going to be pushed into homelessness. People are already suffering, with tents being destroyed, and some already passing away due to their situations. We need crisis shelters, and a coordinated response the same way we would for any natural disaster. That's what the Shelter First campaign will work towards.
