The Government said reoffending rates skyrocketed under the former Labor Government and the new schools will, in its words, “help divert young people from crime and re-engage them with community and education under the Special Assistance School model”.

The 2025-26 Budget will fund $50 million over five years towards the schools, which will be based on the Gold Coast, and in Townsville, Rockhampton, and Ipswich.

North Queensland, including Townsville and Cairns, which are often touted as the state’s crime capitals, will also receive a “significant” boost to prevention in the budget, Premier David Crisafulli said.

“It needs to be. Those regions have been front row of the youth crime crisis, and those regions will get their fair share and a little bit more to deal with the crime crisis.”

Just on $10 million will be spent on the first of the schools, Gold Coast-based Men of Business, to go towards expanding its existing academy to Years 7 to 12.

Crisafulli said the Crime Prevention Schools funding was just one way the Government would “start to turn the tide on youth crime”. 

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering early intervention to prevent crime before it happens and restore safety where you live,” he said. 

“Men of Business has a proven track record of delivering hope and support to young people who need it most.  

“This funding will allow them to expand their reach and help even more students get back on track.”  

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Crime Prevention Schools were part of the Making Our Community Safer Plan and would prevent the next generation of youth offenders. 

“We know one of the best ways to reduce crime, is to intervene early before young people go down [the road of] a life of crime,” Gerber said.  

“These schools will provide at-risk youth who have disengaged from mainstream education, the life skills, training and support needed to turn towards a brighter future. 

“After a decade of rising numbers of youth offenders, the Crisafulli Government is investing in programs that break the cycle of crime and reduce the number of victims in this State.”  

Marco Renai, founder of the Men of Business Academy, said the new funding would allow the Academy to expand and help more young men grow into capable individuals, ready to contribute to their communities. 

“Our mission has always been to guide young men towards a path of purpose and success,” Renai said. 

“With this new funding, we can expand our programs to reach students at an even earlier age, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to build strong foundations for the future. 

“Early intervention changes lives – with the right tools and support, we can help them step confidently into a brighter future.” 

Other crime prevention initiatives including ‘Jack’s Law’, which was recently made permanent, will also receive budget funding to equip more officers with weapon-wanding devices.

The legislation, named after teen Jack Beasley who was fatally stabbed on the Gold Coast, allows police to wand for weapons in nightlife areas, public transport and supermarkets.

Treasurer David Janetzki will hand down the budget on Tuesday afternoon.

The Crisafulli Government will be calling for tenders to operate the Townsville, Rockhampton, and Ipswich schools later this year.