The Crisafulli Government has passed legislation delivering stronger protections and tougher enforcement powers to crack down on metal theft, which has impacted community clubs, critical transport infrastructure, construction sites and mining operations across Queensland.
Despite scrap metal theft being subject to a parliamentary inquiry in 2023, the former State Labor Government took no legislative action and left the issue unaddressed during their decade of decline.
Unlike Labor, the Crisafulli Government is committed to cracking down on metal theft. Key features of the reforms to disrupt the theft, sale and disposal of stolen scrap metal include:
•Increasing penalties for stealing and wilful damage, where the life or health of a person is endangered or the offending occurs during a natural disaster, to 25 years imprisonment.
•A new offence of attempted metal theft, where any person who attempts to steal a valuable metal item will now face a maximum of 7 years imprisonment.
•Stricter identification and record keeping requirements for scrap metal dealers.
•Penalties for scrap metal dealers who fail to report suspected stolen property and unlicensed second-hand property to Queensland Police will be increased.
The offending poses life-threatening risks to everyday Queenslanders and causes major disruptions, including during natural disasters where vulnerable communities have been targeted, cutting lifesaving essential communications.
Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause, said local communities have seen firsthand the disruption and cost caused by scrap metal and copper theft, with incidents occurring across the region.
“We’ve had copper cabling stolen along the Mount Lindesay Highway and in Cedar Grove, just to name a few examples, and it’s our local communities who ultimately pay the price,” Mr Krause said.
“These crimes don’t just impact major infrastructure, they can affect farmers, businesses and community organisations that rely on copper wiring, irrigation systems, fencing, steel infrastructure and other essential agricultural equipment to keep operating.”
“I know how important these assets are. When copper wiring or farm infrastructure are damaged or stolen, it creates unnecessary costs, delays and frustration for hardworking local producers.”
“These stronger laws send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. They will help protect vital infrastructure, support our farming communities and reduce the disruption these crimes cause across the Scenic Rim.”