Well respected criminal justice and Criminology expert, Dr Terry Goldsworthy correctly placed in perspective the crime statistics recently provided by the Queensland LNP government and the QPS. Clearly, they were distorted to boost the Crisafulli government and present it in a more favourable light. By comparing data of 2023/4 with that of 2025/6 thus missing out 2024/5 altogether, the impression created was that crime in our state is on the decrease. But if things were done properly and all three years were listed the figures would show clearly that crime is actually on the increase.

Sadly, as Dr Goldsworthy points out, the LNP has form on this approach given Campbell Newman skewed the crime figures when he was in power. Dr Goldsworthy notes that both NSW and Victoria have independent crime statistic bodies and supports opposition leader Steven Miles’ suggestion that an independent crime data bureau needs to be established.

Here in Queensland the Westminster system has been compromised and Dr Goldsworthy ponders why these figures were released in this way. He tellingly leaves us with either one of two conclusions. Either the QPS media section has chosen to meddle in politics or they were under orders from the Queensland government to do so.

Branch contemplates upcoming conferences
Members at the recent June general meeting discussed key issues for the imminent national and state ALP conferences, due to be held this July and August, respectively. With delegates for both conferences in attendance, the Branchheard about efforts to strengthen the Party’s policy platform at the national and state level.

Members discussed the importance of adopting a comprehensive strategy to counter the growing levels of racism and xenophobia being witnessed in many communities across the country. Currently Multicultural Labor Queensland is leading an internal campaign within the Party to highlight the need to fight racism and encourage people to stand against it.

The June meeting also heard that the Australian Council of Trade Unions was expected to push a range of pro-worker policies to be included in the ALP’s national platform. One of the related key policies, also raised by the Branch, is the need to strengthen regulations relating to the operation of artificial intelligence – especially its impact on jobs and our democracy.

The meeting also noted another policy that could be raised by some unions at the national conference in Adelaide is the addition of an extra week of recreation leave for Australian workers, which would have enormous benefits, including for mental health. The ACTU has been pushing this proposal since March this year, claiming that another week of leave will help workers reclaim time lost to unpaid overtime and combat widespread burnout.

The Branch, itself has also highlighted the need for the Albanese government to finally enact national human rights legislation. As part of its own submission, the Branch has continually advocated for Australia to have its own consistent human rights framework, after years of discussion and parliamentary scrutiny. Branch members strongly believe that the time to delay this reform is over.

In terms of the upcoming state conference, branch members were also encouraged to participate in the various platform chapter drafting committees that will help scrutinise the myriad of policy proposals for consideration at the conference, scheduled for the end of August.

Community BBQ held in Annerley
Early in June, the Branch hosted its annual community BBQ, this time at the Ekibin Park South in Annerley. Co-hosted with Mark Bailey MP, state Member for Miller and Cr Steve Griffiths, Councillor for the Moorooka Ward, the event was an ideal opportunity for residents to speak directly with their local elected representatives, whilst having a free feed.

The BBQ, held on 6 June, saw locals from Annerley and Tarragindi keen to chat with Mark and Steve, raising concerns about the LNP administrations at both the state and local level. Currently, Civic Labor has been seeking feedback from Brisbane residents for examples where the LNP dominated city council has neglected infrastructure and services. After 20 years of unfettered power in City Hall, many residents have been expressing concern that Council has been ill-equipped to address the needs of a growing city, especially in the areas of housing and local facilities.

The next community BBQ is expected to be held in Tarragindi.