In the picturesque town of Cairns, Queensland, the beauty of the tropical landscape is being overshadowed by a growing concern that has left locals on edge. Business owners and residents are calling for 'harsher penalties' as they face an unsettling wave of youth crime that has left many feeling under siege.

Ashleigh Anderson, a 30-year-old business owner, has become the reluctant face of this local struggle. Her hair salon, Zazu Hair Salon, has been broken into five times in less than a year, with the latest incident involving a group of three youngsters who used a shopping trolley to smash their way in. The theft of $300 worth of goods, including hair products and a pair of straighteners, may seem minor, but the cumulative effect of these break-ins is anything but. The real cost comes in the form of the $1,000 Anderson now has to spend on yet another window replacement, a financial burden that weighs heavily on her shoulders.


The impact of these crimes extends beyond the financial strain. Anderson, a single mother working hard to provide for her family, now goes to bed each night with the fear that her home or business could be the next target. 'It's always on my mind,' she admits, revealing the psychological toll that the constant threat of crime has taken on her.


Anderson's story is not an isolated one. Nearby businesses, including a nail salon and a waterfront restaurant, have also fallen victim to similar crimes. The restaurant's ordeal was particularly alarming, with cash stolen and knives taken from the premises. This pattern of crime has left business owners fearing for their future, questioning how long they can keep their doors open under such relentless pressure.


The community's outcry for action has not gone unheard. Earlier this year, Queensland Police assembled a taskforce to crack down on youth crime in Cairns, as well as in Townsville and Brisbane South. In a single week, the taskforce arrested 30 people, including 28 young people, on 94 charges. Yet, despite these efforts, the problem persists, and the community's sense of safety remains fragile.

As the Queensland state election looms on October 26, the issue of youth crime has surged to the forefront of political debate. The Liberal National Party (LNP) has taken a hardline stance with its 'adult time for adult crime' approach, proposing that adult sentences be given to youth offenders. LNP leader David Crisafulli has pledged to make Queensland safer within 100 days of being elected, promising a reduction in victim numbers. Meanwhile, incumbent Premier Steven Miles has criticized the opposition's plan, suggesting it lacks substance.

The community's plea for harsher penalties and more effective solutions is a cry for help that echoes beyond Cairns. Anderson's frustration is shared by many who feel that the government needs to acknowledge the problem and take decisive action. 'Everyone's really annoyed, but nothing gets done about it,' she says, voicing a sentiment that resonates with those who have been affected by the surge in youth crime.


As Australians, we pride ourselves on our sense of community and our ability to look out for one another. The situation in Cairns serves as a stark reminder that our social fabric can be threatened when crime goes unchecked. It's a call to action for not just the government, but for all of us to support our fellow citizens and work towards solutions that will restore peace and security to our communities.
We at the Seniors Discount Club invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Has your community faced similar challenges? What actions do you believe should be taken to address youth crime effectively? Your insights are valuable, and together, we can advocate for a safer Australia for all generations.