Bridge over troubled waters

Youth crime: The government’s latest ‘made-up’ crisis

The Tasmanian government’s sudden focus on youth crime appears to be a politically motivated tactic rather than a genuine attempt to find solutions. This issue has persisted for years, making their newfound urgency suspect. It’s a convenient problem to seemingly address without tackling the deeper, underlying causes.

Similarly, the government is exaggerating its role in the Bridgewater Bridge project, a largely federally funded initiative. They present it as a major achievement, despite minimal state involvement in its creation. This mirrors their approach to youth crime: declaring a “crisis” allows for quick, superficial actions and media attention, avoiding the complex work of addressing root issues like school dropouts, mental health support, and youth disengagement.

The government lacks a genuine long-term strategy, instead opting for headline-grabbing initiatives that don’t require significant effort. Declaring a crackdown on youth crime and announcing tough policies is easier than confronting systemic failures.

To truly address youth crime, a focus on its causes is essential. Investment in education, community engagement, and mental health services is necessary. Youth crime is a symptom of broader societal problems that cannot be solved through political posturing alone.

Tasmanians deserve more than empty promises. Real leadership requires investing in preventative measures, supporting young people, and tackling the fundamental reasons behind youth crime.

This is about securing a better future for Tasmania‘s youth, not scoring political points by labeling an existing problem a “crisis.” The public should view the government’s claims regarding youth crime with the same skepticism as their inflated involvement in the Bridgewater Bridge project.

Their current approach is merely taking credit for inaction, and Tasmanians deserve meaningful solutions.