The new laws introduce harsher penalties for young offenders, designating 13 serious offences as adult crimes. These include:
- Serious assaults;
- Breaking and entering;
- Dangerous operation of a vehicle;
- Manslaughter;
- Murder.
Under these changes, for example, children convicted of murder must receive a life sentence, with a minimum non-parole period of 20 years.
Immediate Enforcement Actions
Since the enactment of Queensland’s “adult crime, adult time” legislation in December 2024, there have been developments in youth crime statistics and enforcement actions. In the three weeks following the introduction of the new laws, Queensland Police arrested 227 young offenders, resulting in 484 charges.
Recent data indicates that more than 50,000 youth crime offences have been committed in Queensland communities so far this year.
Concerns Over Prison Overcrowding
Queensland already detains more children than any other Australian state, and the prison system has been over capacity for a decade. The new laws are expected to further strain resources, with whistleblowers warning of “horrendous” conditions in overcrowded watch houses.
Premier Crisafulli conceded that the laws would create “real pressure” on the youth justice system but stated:
“In the long term, we have a plan to deliver a raft of other detention facilities and different options … In the short term, there will be some real pressure.”
Conclusion
The reforms have been welcomed by some victims’ rights advocates but have drawn sharp criticism from legal and human rights groups.
With concerns over prison overcrowding, legal challenges, and human rights implications, the effectiveness of the laws will likely be closely scrutinised in the months ahead.
Our team are experts in criminal law. Our role is to sit down with you and work out the strategy that will get you the best possible result. If you have any questions about this article or any other topic of law, please call our team of experts on 1300 066 669.
