‘Adult crime, adult time’ youth offender laws expanded
More offences will be added to Queensland’s “adult crime, adult time” laws as the government moves on its election pledge to make the community safer.
Queensland’s controversial “adult crime, adult time” laws are set to be bolstered, with more than a dozen offences expected to be added to the legislation.
Arson, torture, aggravated attempted robbery, rape and attempted murder are among the crimes to be included in the expanded laws, which are expected to be introduced in state parliament this week.
Premier David Crisafulli said it was the next step in delivering his government’s election promise to strengthen laws and turn the tide on youth crime in Queensland.
“Victims must come first and adult crime, adult time is just one way we are shifting the focus back to supporting victims and driving down youth crime,” he said on Sunday.
Under the first tranche of the laws passed in late December, children as young as 10 face the same maximum sentences as adults for 13 offences, including murder, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.
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The legislation removed detention as a last resort entirely, meaning magistrates were given more freedom to imprison children if they deemed it necessary.
A child’s criminal history also carries over into adulthood and can be considered by judges in sentencing, and media, victims’ families and representatives were given greater access to Children’s Court matters.
The list of additional offences to be added to the legislation was based on recommendations from an expert panel.
Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber said the Queensland government would continue to consider additional offences to expand the laws.
“We are sending a clear message to youth offenders that this government is delivering consequences for actions,” she said.
