The Queensland Parliament has passed a suite of new Youth Justice reforms set to target hardcore recidivist offenders.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the package of Youth Justice reforms was about targeting high-risk repeat offenders – the 10% of youth offenders who are frequently putting the community at risk.
“That is why we have made these changes, including to bail laws,” Minister Ryan said.
“10% of all youth offenders account for 48% of all youth crime.
“It is this group we are targeting with all the legislative and front-line strategies at our disposal.”
The new laws include:
- a trial of GPS monitoring devices for high risk repeat offenders;
- a presumption against bail for serious repeat offenders who commit a crime while on bail; and
- the ability for a court to seek assurances from parents or guardians before an offender is released
The government has also strengthened existing bail laws to provide further guidance to the courts.
The Government has also announced a $98.4 million funding package to support the crackdown on youth crime.
Mr Ryan said the new funding would deliver more resources to the police frontline, with a trial of GPS monitoring devices and the expansion of Co-Responder Teams.
Minister for Youth Justice, Leanne Linard said the new funding followed more than half a billion dollars of investment in early intervention programs and new detention centre beds.
“This new funding package backs up new tougher measures and laws to monitor and supervise young offenders and provides more resources for frontline workers and courts to deal with repeat offenders,” Ms Linard said.
“Importantly this funding will ensure a greater level of supervision and support on weekends and out-of-hours and includes the roll out of two additional 24/7 Co-Responder Teams, bringing the total number of Co-Responder Teams to eight.
“Community safety has always been a priority for the government, that is why we have continued to provide record funding for youth justice reform.”
Former Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson will report on the efficacy of the measures in six months and Assistant Police Commissioner, Cheryl Scanlon is leading a Youth Crime Taskforce to implement the new measures.
