Queensland police data shows youth crime at near-record lows. So why the ‘tough on crime’ election talk?

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli (left) and premier Steven Miles. The Labor government and the LNP opposition are both campaigning on a tough on youth crime platform. Photograph: David Clark/AAP

New data released by the Queensland Police Service shows youth crime rates in the state have fallen to near-record lows.

With a state election looming and the unofficial campaign in full swing, the Queensland “youth crime crisis” or “epidemic” has become a totemic issue. Labor and the Liberal National party continue to push “tough” and “tougher” plans to address community concern.