The father and brothers of Daniel McNamara made the long drive to Gunnedah, NSW to visit his roadside memorial before making a plea to the government.
“Something’s gotta happen, to do something constructive, to help the community, to stop these things from happening to innocent, beautiful people,” Daniel’s father Patrick McNamara said.
Daniel’s death on Tuesday sparked outrage across regional New South Wales.
The 52-year-old was allegedly hit and killed by a stolen ute that was allegedly driven by three 14-year-old boys from Moree.
“The police’s hands are tied to take any action because they’re free the next day and they get a slap on the wrist,” Patrick said.
The alleged driver who killed Daniel had 90 breaches of bail, another who was charged had been recently released from custody on similar offences.
Daniel’s family wants the youth justice system overhauled.
“Have a system where it’s a boot camp or bring in national service to teach, instruct these people on respect and grow up as beautiful people for Australia,” Patrick said.
Pressure is mounting on the NSW government to intervene in the youth crime crisis.
Today Premier Chris Minns made a commitment to review the current legislation when parliament resumes this month.
“I’m going to do everything I can to stop it, and if it doesn’t work I’ll move on to the next thing,” he said.
In the meantime, communities and families like the McNamara’s are still hurting.
“Somethings gotta change to help these people, these kids,” Patrick said.
