The Youth Justice Reform Select Committee which Sandy chairs has identified its priority areas for consultation at regional hearings to be held in February 2024.

The committee has heard from a wide range of experts, practitioners and government officials over the last few weeks. Based on what has been relayed, they have identified seven priority areas for further investigation that they want to hear from regional communities about.

One of the priority areas identified is the current operation of the Youth Justice Act 1992 in relation to court decisions, including the effect of sentencing principles, the criteria for serious repeat offender declarations, and penalties for traffic offences.

In addition, the development of a long-term strategy for youth justice in Queensland as an important priority. Queensland needs to create a vision for the youth justice system in creating greater community safety through a reduction in recidivism. This vision needs to draw on the expertise of all involved including front line agencies, community organisations that deliver youth justice services and the local communities that are directly affected by youth crime.

The committee is also interested in feedback on how early intervention and prevention can be further embedded in Queensland’s youth justice system to support young people to lead meaningful lives in their communities.

The other priority areas to be explored include:

  • How to instigate earlier assessment, intervention and prevention strategies that support children and their families to access health, education, housing and other services.
  • Reimagining youth justice infrastructure, including best practice standard accommodation for children and young people who are detained, held on remand or transitioning from detention to the community.
  • How to improve: (i) children and young people’s engagement with positive programs, particularly for those held on remand or released on bail where engagement may be lower compared to those in detention; and (ii) children and young people’s transition back into the community, including consideration of supported accommodation models.
  • How to strengthen public confidence in the youth justice system, including by: (i) examining the impact of social media and traditional news media on youth offending and community perceptions of safety; (ii) improving the way data on youth crime is communicated to the public.
  • How to improve victims’ experiences of the youth justice system and ensure they are able to access support services across the state.

The committee will hold regional hearings in Townsville, Cairns, and Mount Isa, as well  Toowoomba, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts commencing February 5 onwards.

Further information

More details about the regional hearings including venues and dates are available on the inquiry webpage at: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/youthjustice.

To view our previous Noosa 360 updates on Crime/ Youth Recidivism, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Crime

For information on Policing in the Noosa State Electorate, please visit our Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com/policing-in-noosa-july-2023