Youth advocacy groups in Queensland have expressed strong disapproval of the recent decision made by the government to replace the longstanding principle of "detention as a last resort" in the state's youth justice laws. This move, which was announced after a Labor caucus meeting, has been labeled as a desperate attempt by the government to consolidate power, as critics argue that it undermines the protection and rehabilitation of young offenders.
The government's decision to introduce a new clause emphasizing that children should be detained in custody when necessary to ensure community safety and when other preventive measures are deemed insufficient has raised concerns among social services organizations like the Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS). Aimee McVeigh, the chief executive of QCOSS, expressed disappointment with the government's focus on changing laws related to youth justice while overlooking the root causes of violence, such as domestic violence and violence against women.
The new community safety plan introduced by the Queensland government includes measures like expanding police powers to conduct random searches for weapons and increasing penalties for illegal possession of knives in public places. Premier Steven Miles defended the revision of the detention principle, stating that the change aimed to emphasize the importance of community safety in the court's decisions regarding young offenders. However, critics argue that this shift may not effectively address the underlying issues affecting the youth justice system and could potentially jeopardize the state's commitment to international laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli criticized the government for its perceived political maneuvers, suggesting that changing wording in laws without addressing systemic issues would not lead to tangible improvements in community safety. He highlighted concerns that victims of crimes need clarity and genuine efforts toward rehabilitation programs for offenders. This debate over the revision of the youth justice laws has ignited a discussion about the balance between community safety, rehabilitation, and respecting international obligations to protect the rights of young individuals involved in the justice system.