Staff at two hospitals in the aboriginal crime-ravaged city of Cairns, Queensland, have been warned not leave work alone after two violent attacks in two days.
At 5am on Thursday, January 16, a woman leaving Cairns Hospital was approached by a male who attacked her and stole her handbag before fleeing in a stolen car. She suffered bruises and abrasions.
Then at 6.20am on Friday at Cairns Private Hospital a woman who came across a man breaking into cars in the staff carpark was threatened with a hammer and assaulted. The man then stole her car keys and vehicle.
Cairns Private Hospital told workers on Friday that while Queensland Police are increasing patrols of the hospital precinct, staff should be on alert, warning them to “please be vigilant and keep yourselves safe”.
“For staff working late or night shifts: please park your vehicles (after 4pm) in the Cairns Private Hospital, Upward Street Carpark (Front of CPH),” staff were told in a text message seen by Noticer News.
“If you can, try to leave and walk in pairs. If you are worried or feel unsafe, do not hesitate to call [emergency number] or the police.”
One resident familiar with the situation said hospital workers feared they would soon need police escorts.
“This city is under siege from crime,” they said.
According to crime statistics released in December the Far North police region, which includes Cairns, has overtaken Townsville to become the worst in Queensland for youth crime.
At the time of the release there had been 2,082 breach of bail offences in 2024, 1,017 stolen cars, and 112 robberies committed by minors.
Some residents responded to the attacks by demanding action from Liberal National Party Premier David Crisafulli, who was elected in October after running a campaign promising to crack down on rampant youth crime, while others warned racial tensions were rising as a result.
“With all the anger and frustration of everyday people just trying to live in peace there’ll be Cairns’ version of Cronulla riots, and some of the little shits will get what’s coming,” one said.
“The magistrates just keep letting them out on the streets again, after police are flogged trying to catch them,” said another.
The Crisafulli government passed its Making Queensland Safer Bill, implementing its “adult crime, adult time” election promise. Under the new laws, 13 offences including murder and serious assault will result in minors being given the same sentences as adults.
The legislation also removed detention as a last resort for young offenders, brought in victim-focused sentencing, and mandated the transfer of 18-year-olds to adult correction facilities, among other reforms.
The hospital attacks were not covered by the corporate media or announced by Queensland Police.
Header image: Left, a message sent to staff at Cairns Private Hospital. Right, Cairns Private Hospital (Google Street View).
