In Australia and everywhere

Before every election, for as long as I can remember, both the major parties – whether in government or opposition – have made significant promises about controlling and managing crime, particularly youth crime.

The day after the election, the elected government shelves the promises, bowing to pressure from interest groups not to act in any way other than softening existing laws.

Whichever party finds itself in opposition continues to hound and berate the new government to make a change.

If and when elected to government, the vociferousness while in opposition is suddenly muted, with the ‘new’ opposition finding a voice on the issues they are conveniently ignored while in government. Every four years, the cycle is repeated.

And one who has lived with this issue for the past three decades should not be cynical!