Blood on our hands
Have you heard the news?
Tragically, this death is shattering, but not surprising.
Only when someone dies does a gatecrasher get charged. I’m certain this wasn’t the first party these gatecrashers have raided. But how can we know for sure if out-of-control parties aren’t collated by police?
We need hard data, so we can make informed decisions to recognise and deal with the issue of gatecrashers before yet another innocent young person is murdered. I work on the front line every weekend. I know our gatecrashers are lawless, fearless and contemptuous of all authority. And I know the issue is getting worse. If gatecrashers aren’t charged with a relevant offense, they’ll continue to invade parties and become even more violent.
Young Australians are being injured and killed. In and around our homes. So the usual bleats of ‘nanny state’ and ‘fun police’ merely show a breathtaking lack of understanding of the issue. Or, worse, complete disregard for the lethal consequences.
So, assuming we give a damn about our current generation, what do we do?
Short term
Data collection and the offense of gatecrashing must be put in place as soon as possible to deter troublemakers and protect guests at events.
Long term
Despite my best efforts over many years, most parties still aren’t properly planned.
Lack of preparation invites disaster. If hosts don’t want to protect themselves, their guests or their property, they must be helped.
The days of 20 kids in your lounge room once a year are gone. Today’s social-media-fuelled teen parties can be as big as festivals. They’re also far more frequent.
And don’t think you’re safe in the eastern suburbs. The kid with the knife, who’s now in prison, lived in Bulleen.
Just as public events can’t operate without a permit covering all safety matters, modern parties need similar treatment to avert disaster.
The body count is mounting. If we fail to act, things will only get worse.
And then the blood will be on our hands.
