Our CEO, Paul Burke, recently spoke with 3AW Breakfast hosts Ross Stevenson and Russell Howcroft about the shocking rise in youth violence across Melbourne, including the brutal murder of two young boys, one just 12 years old, in a gang-related attack police described as one of the most horrific of its kind.
“Look, I think it’s probably because as a society we’ve let this get away from us,” Paul said. “The carriage of edge weapons has become almost normal for some young people. Les Twentyman spent the last 20 or 30 years trying to get these things off the street. Now, unfortunately, Les passed away about 18 months ago, but we’re finally seeing some movement to getting these things off the street.”
Burke highlighted the urgent need for both community action and stronger legislation. “Sometimes you need to make a sacrifice to get to a good place,” he said. “Maybe it is time for the police to be able to wand people, with just cause, because this is just getting out of control now.”
He also emphasised the impact of the Foundation’s programs, funded by donors and philanthropists, that are already making a significant difference. “The Les Twentyman Foundation has programs that can actually help government do that. But they’re going to require funding.”
“The footage that we’ve all seen on TV is haunting… people are scared to come out of their homes. That shouldn’t be happening in Melbourne,” Paul added. “It’s just frightening. It shouldn’t be happening in our city.”
While youth violence has escalated, Paul Burke’s message is clear: with targeted programs, government support, and community engagement, Melbourne can reclaim the safety and security our young people and communities deserve.