Have your say on proposed anti-social behaviour laws

Mr Hunt says anti-social behaviour in public spaces and CBDs was an issue regularly raised with him by residents, business owners and workers.

Nicklin residents are being urged to weigh in on proposed new anti-social behaviour laws, with submissions to a parliamentary inquiry closing at 10am on Wednesday March 18.

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt said the proposed changes were aimed at giving police stronger and clearer powers to deal with threatening, violent, offensive or disorderly behaviour in public places, including town centres such as Nambour. The bill was introduced to Parliament on March 3 and referred to the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee.

Mr Hunt said anti-social behaviour in public spaces and CBDs was an issue regularly raised with him by residents, business owners and workers.

“One issue that comes up time and again is anti-social behaviour in public spaces and in our CBDs,” he said.

The proposed legislation would allow police to issue 24-hour move-on directions, as well as banning notices of up to one month for repeat or serious offenders.

“These are practical tools aimed at addressing behaviour that can make people feel unsafe in their own town centre,” Mr Hunt said.

He said the changes would build on the recent establishment of Nambour’s permanent Police Beat in the CBD, providing a visible police presence in the heart of town.

“Strengthening the powers available to police will help ensure officers have the authority they need to act quickly when issues arise and to further restore confidence in our town centre,” he said.

Mr Hunt, who chairs the Queensland Parliament’s Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee, said community input was an important part of the parliamentary process and encouraged locals to make a submission. The committee is formally examining the bill as part of the parliamentary inquiry process.

“As Chair of the Queensland Parliament Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee, I will be leading the inquiry into this Bill, and strongly encourage locals to make a submission to share your views,” he said.

The bill also covers changes relating to youth crime and drug laws, alongside proposed new and expanded police powers in designated business and community precincts.

• Read the explanatory notes at www.tinyurl.com/BillExplanatoryNotes and make a submission at www.tinyurl.com/AntisocialbehaviourHaveYourSay before 10am on Wednesday March 18.