The brave families and supporters of two 11-year-old girls that were brutally attacked after stepping off a school bus in Shepparton, gathered on the front steps of Parliament on Tuesday to raise the issue of youth crime.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe raised the attack in Parliament this week.
“The physical and serious act of violence has left the victims traumatised, the families distressed and many members of the community deeply concerned about the safety of their children.
“Tammy, mother of one of the girls attacked in May this year, said that her daughter got up, the next child or person may not.
“No one should have to go through what these families are going through,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
The families and community are calling for change and highlighting the desperate need to address the rising youth crime, weak laws and a weak youth justice system.
“They want to see prevention and accountability; they want mandated programs when young people do offend to get them back on a pathway away from a future of crime and re-offending.
“I was pleased to table the petition on behalf of the families impacted in support.
“It is also important to acknowledge the strength and courage of these families as they have shared their experiences and their desperate want for change.
“I have seen firsthand the ongoing impact this is having on these families months later. We also need more support for victims and their families.
“The tipping point and the slogan enough is enough, also brought over 1,000 people who walked together at Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake following the attack.
“They have been calling for change, and many gathered on the front steps of Parliament to have their voices heard.
“Enough is enough and we cannot continue up this path of increasing youth crime in our communities.”
Photo Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe pictured with the families and supporters of the young girls attacked in Shepparton who have been calling for change.
