BRISBANE, Queensland, Oct. 15 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

JOINT STATEMENT

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity

The Honourable Deb Frecklington

Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Honourable Brent Mickelberg

* The Crisafulli Government is delivering stronger laws to stamp out scrap metal theft and electrical equipment damage. * Harsher penalties will reflect the level of danger or financial impact to victims of scrap metal theft. * Highest penalty of 25 years imprisonment applies where a life is endangered, or theft occurs during a natural disaster. * The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer afterLabor failed to take...