Following the success of the Liberal National Party (LNP) in the recent state election, the new legislation was promoted as a mechanism to prioritize the rights of victims over those of perpetrators. Premier David Crisafulli emphasized the need for these laws to address community concerns regarding safety, stating they are intended to provide security for Queenslanders who've experienced youth crime. However, statistical data reveals a significant decline in youth crime rates, contradicting the claim that a crime wave is ongoing. In fact, youth crime has plummeted by half in the past 14 years, hitting a record low in 2022.
Now designated by the government as "adult crime, adult time," the new laws encompass 13 offenses—including murder and serious assault—subjecting young offenders to much harsher sentences, with mandatory life imprisonment for murder cases. The previous maximum penalty for murder among youths was 10 years, with strict guidelines on defining heinous crimes. Notably, the new laws also eliminate "detention as a last resort" provisions, which favored alternatives to incarceration.
The Queensland Police Union has expressed support for these changes, asserting they represent meaningful progress. Conversely, the state's Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington, has acknowledged that the reforms conflict with international norms and could disproportionately affect Indigenous children. Critics, including Australia’s commissioner for children, Anne Hollonds, strongly condemned the legislation, labeling it an "international embarrassment" and accusing the Queensland government of neglecting evidence suggesting that early exposure to the justice system can lead to more severe criminal behavior later.
Furthermore, legal experts warned that the new laws might inadvertently complicate the judicial process, as tougher penalties may deter children from pleading guilty, resulting in prolonged court cases. With existing detention centers already strained and an already high number of young people in custody, these legislative changes are poised to create more challenges for Queensland's juvenile justice system.
Now designated by the government as "adult crime, adult time," the new laws encompass 13 offenses—including murder and serious assault—subjecting young offenders to much harsher sentences, with mandatory life imprisonment for murder cases. The previous maximum penalty for murder among youths was 10 years, with strict guidelines on defining heinous crimes. Notably, the new laws also eliminate "detention as a last resort" provisions, which favored alternatives to incarceration.
The Queensland Police Union has expressed support for these changes, asserting they represent meaningful progress. Conversely, the state's Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington, has acknowledged that the reforms conflict with international norms and could disproportionately affect Indigenous children. Critics, including Australia’s commissioner for children, Anne Hollonds, strongly condemned the legislation, labeling it an "international embarrassment" and accusing the Queensland government of neglecting evidence suggesting that early exposure to the justice system can lead to more severe criminal behavior later.
Furthermore, legal experts warned that the new laws might inadvertently complicate the judicial process, as tougher penalties may deter children from pleading guilty, resulting in prolonged court cases. With existing detention centers already strained and an already high number of young people in custody, these legislative changes are poised to create more challenges for Queensland's juvenile justice system.
