New powers needed for eSafety Commissioner to target youth crime online

The recent wave of criminal activity striking the Toowoomba region is leaving behind a trail of destruction, isolation and damaging business confidence.

Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton says more needs to be done to ensure the safety of residents in the Toowoomba region.

“What we are seeing is young offenders using online platforms and social media to boast about their anti-social behaviour, filming their dangerous acts in stolen cars, breaking into homes and damaging public property for the purpose of gaining notoriety.

“The powers of the eSafety Commissioner must be strengthened so there is no opportunity for juveniles to gain ‘social credit’ from posting about criminal activity online,” said Mr Hamilton.

Mr Hamilton said he was hearing from residents across the region with concerns that anti-social online activity is still not being adequately monitored or controlled.

“The eSafety Commissioner was established to foster online safety, but the regulatory functions of the eSafety Commissioner need to be strengthened to ensure all Australians are able to safely interact online.

“By putting a stop to the boastful sharing of criminal activity by juvenile offenders, we can possibly discourage others from engaging in the same type of activity,” Mr Hamilton said.

“My Private Members Bill will seek to extend the powers of the eSafety Commissioner so residents can be sure that the Online Safety Act 2021 truly improves safety for all Australians”.

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Media Contact: Garth Hamilton MP 07 4632 4144