Grieving dad launches chilling ad

Grieving father and LNP candidate Russell Field has just released a stark new ad slamming the Queensland Labor government for the state’s alleged youth crime crisis, saying he is “sick of the excuses”.

The ad, now running across social media, shows Mr Field talking bluntly about the death of his son, daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild in a shocking 2021 Australia Day crash.

“Under Labor, youth crime is out of control,” he says.

“My son, daughter-in-law, an unborn grandchild were victims, walking their dog, when a teenager, driving a stolen car, killed them all.”

“He had been to court seven times, and was out on bail.”

“The LNP will bring in stronger laws, like Adult Crime, Adult Time, and boost early intervention.

“That’s the change we need to have safety where we live.

“I’m sick of the excuses and I’m tired of this Labor government.”

The 17-year-old offender in the crash was sentenced to six years in prison, and the event concentrated debate in the Sunshine State about youth crime alongside a sweep of other high-profile instances of teenagers committing serious offences.

The LNP, led by Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, is pitching a tough approach to young offenders as a key point of difference with the Labor government, led by Premier Steven Miles.

“When I met Russell I promised him we would restore safety where you live and I’m honoured he’s standing with the LNP,“ Mr Crisafulli said.

“We will deliver the change Queenslanders like Russell are asking for.

“We have stood shoulder to shoulder with Queenslanders who have lost their loved ones, their neighbours and their friends.

“Labor’s failures have seen crime skyrocket, with almost 300,000 Queenslanders victim to violations like car theft, break-ins and assaults, just last year.”

Mr Field is running on the LNP banner for the seat of Capalaba in Brisbane’s outer east, his first tilt at office, against Labor’s Don Brown.

Mr Brown received criticism in 2023 for a Facebook post in which he referred to youth crime in Queensland as a “media beat-up.”

Mr Field and his wife Ann reacted with anger to the post and Mr Miles rebuked Mr Brown for the comment.

Mr Brown has since removed the post.

In the 2020 election, Mr Brown won the seat with 59 per cent of the vote after preferences.

Labor’s policy platform, ratified in Mackay in 2023, includes a number of reforms in the youth justice space.

“Labor is committed to reinstating a broad range of options when it comes to youth sentencing with a focus on rehabilitation within the community,” the platform states.

“Labor is committed to reinstating youth and adult justice conferencing and mediation to allow victims of crime input into the justice system and provide perpetrators an opportunity to make appropriate recompense for their offences.”

The election is booked for October 26, with polling showing Mr Crisafulli on track to secure a majority of seats.

Labor has held power since 2015.