Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli says today marks a “fresh start” for the state, after the Making Queensland Safer Laws were passed by Parliament.
The Premier says the legislative milestone delivers on the Government’s promise of stronger youth crime laws by Christmas.
The landmark laws include Adult Crime, Adult Time, removing detention as a last resort, allowing courts to consider a youth offender’s full criminal history and opening up the Children’s Court to victims, their families and media.
“These laws are for every Queenslander who has ever felt unsafe and been a victim of youth crime across our state,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Queenslanders voted for it, we’ve delivered it and now Adult Crime, Adult Time will be law before Christmas.
“These laws are the first strike back against the Youth Crime Crisis to start restoring safety where you live.
“We have restored consequences for actions, and put victims’ rights ahead of offenders, as they always should have been.”
Once assent of the Bill occurs, The Making Queensland Safer Laws will immediately be in effect with youth offenders who commit serious crimes facing the same penalties as adult offenders.
Adult Crime, Adult Time will apply to 13 of the most serious offences including:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Unlawful striking causing death
- Grievous bodily harm
- Wounding
- Serious assault
- Home and business break-ins and robbery, and
- Dangerous operation of vehicles.
Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington said these were the tough laws Queenslanders had demanded.
“These laws are tough and are the first step in restoring safety to our community,” she said.
“This is the action that fed-up Queenslanders demanded and, we have delivered on our promise to Make Queensland Safer by Christmas.
“Make no mistake, the holiday is over for young offenders and, if you commit an adult crime, you will face adult time.”
Police Minister, Dan Purdie said the new lawsweare what Queensland Police have been asking for to fight the youth crime crisis.
“When our police officers called for backup Labor simply didn’t send it,” Minister Purdie said.
“Queensland Police officers now have another weapon in their arsenal – strong laws.
“The Making Queensland Safer Laws will help police officers protect Queenslanders from rampant crime and out of control youths flagrantly working the system to their advantage.”
Youth Justice Minister, Laura Gerber said the Making Queensland Safer Laws would work hand in hand with early intervention and rehabilitation.
“Labor failed to act for a decade – they ignored victims, they ignored the warnings and ignored the chaos across Queensland,” Minister Gerber said.
“Under Labor, youth criminals were given a free pass, the Crisafulli Government’s laws send a clear message that if you do the wrong thing, you will face the consequences.
“Queenslanders voted overwhelmingly for a change, and we have delivered it.”
