A man is in hospital after being attacked this afternoon when he reportedly confronted a group of young people allegedly setting fire to bins outside a Glenorchy shopping centre.
The latest incident in the suburb north of Hobart has sparked renewed calls for the state government to take a tougher stance on youth violence.
Witnesses have told Pulse the 33-year-old challenged the group at Northgate around 3:30pm on Tuesday before they turned on him.
He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he remains under treatment for his injuries.
Tasmania Police confirmed the incident involved “a group of people” and have asked anyone with information to come forward.
“Police responded quickly to the disturbance and are following lines of inquiry in relation to the likely offenders,” a spokesperson told Pulse.
Local MLC Bec Thomas has again demanded urgent action after learning of the incident, arguing the state’s youth justice system is failing Tasmanians.
Thomas, a strong voice against youth crime in the northern suburbs, said she was “deeply troubled” by the latest assault.
“While our ‘leaders’ fight for power, the lives of everyday people continue to be adversely impacted by the lack of governance and action on the issues that matter most to Tasmanians,” she said.
“Enough is enough. It’s time our community leaders stand up and unite on zero-tolerance to violence.”
Thomas said she has contacted both the premier and police minister to demand an immediate response.
“Community safety must be a priority, right now, whatever it takes. We cannot wait any longer,” she said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said earlier this year that “all options are on the table” for tackling youth crime, including ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws similar to those in Queensland.
“We cannot afford to have Tasmanians too scared to go and do their grocery shopping,” he said in April.
