Today Show host Karl Stefanovic erupts at Anna Palaszczuk over Queensland crime crisis: ‘Are you right for the job?’

Karl Stefanovic slammed Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Thursday, saying her state is ravaged by “stolen cars, looted homes and lives destroyed by young criminals.”

“Do you still have the ticker for the top job,” the Show today the host asked in a fiery interview, as Ms. Palaszczuk paused before answering, “Absolutely.”

Stefanovic said youth recidivism is on the rise in Queensland, with nearly 70 per cent of young offenders becoming repeat offenders.

“And this year alone, eight people are reported to have died at the hands of juvenile delinquents,” he said.

Hundreds of Queenslanders protested against juvenile delinquency outside the state parliament in Brisbane on Wednesday, but the prime minister refused to meet them.

“These victims literally chanted your name. You were once the voice of the people. Nothing would stop you from going out.

“What stopped you yesterday,” Stefanovic asked.

Ms Palaszczuk said she had chosen to meet crime victims without a TV camera present.

“It’s a parliament day, it’s very busy,” she said. ‘I’m constantly meeting people who share their personal stories.

‘Yes, I have met someone who has lost a loved one. Yes, I sat there with a cup of tea and we talked about it. That’s the way I behave.’

The Today show host then slammed her during a last-minute meeting with the widow of a Brisbane mother of two, who was allegedly stabbed to death in her home on Boxing Day 2022.

“Yesterday you arranged a meeting with Lee Lovell, husband of Emma Lovell, who, as you know, was killed in an invasion that led to the protest yesterday,” he said.

“He had no idea he was going to meet you. Why was this done under secrecy?’

Ms Palaszczuk blamed a local MP, who she said told Mr Lovell he would meet with a lawyer.

“Unfortunately, the local member has apologized because he should have said, ‘You’re going to the Prime Minister,'” she said.

Stefanovic continued to address the prime minister, saying she was “afraid” of a spike in juvenile delinquency under her care.

“The bail laws don’t work, the punishment or lack thereof just doesn’t work,” he said. “You have the power to fix it. When will you?’

“Well, we’re putting $1.4 billion in,” the prime minister replied. “We have the strictest laws in the country and the opposition voted for these strict laws.”

But that answer did not reassure Stefanovic, who kept pressing her for an answer. “How long will it take,” he asked.

“Well, we are rolling out programs,” Ms. Palaszczuk said. “A lot of work has been done throughout Queensland and as I said, we are appointing a Victims Commissioner who will hopefully start next week.”

However, the TV presenter continued to press her, saying, “You should know how long it will take… How many more people are we going to lose?”

Stefanovic asked the prime minister: ‘Do you still have the ticker for the top job’, and Ms Palaszczuk (pictured) paused before replying: ‘Absolutely’

The prime minister again did not want to commit to a time frame, saying: ‘We have put the laws in place, the police have been given the resources and we are seeing more high visibility police patrols on the streets and the laws are working….

“It’s a tough issue and we’re working around the clock to make sure we have the programs and the laws in place to keep the community safe.”

“The clock is ticking, Prime Minister,” Stefanovic said.

The heated interview came as Queensland prepared to pass tough new laws to tackle juvenile delinquency on Thursday.