The Queensland government's recent proposal to rewrite a central aspect of its youth justice laws has stirred significant debate and scrutiny. Premier Steven Miles, previously associated with the left faction of Queensland Labor, is now at the forefront of a policy shift that seeks to replace the long-held principle of "detention as a last resort."
By citing community safety as the primary reason for this change, Mr. Miles and his government are facing backlash from critics who view the move as a strategic political maneuver, particularly with a state election looming and polls indicating a potential loss for the Labor party. The decision to amend the principles underlying the Youth Justice Act has caused tensions within the Labor party and raised questions about its impact on Queenslanders' safety.
While the government emphasizes the need to prioritize community safety and address perceived shortcomings in the youth justice system, including instances of violent repeat young offenders, concerns have been raised by various groups, including the state's Human Rights Commissioner and youth advocacy organizations. These entities argue that rephrasing the principle of 'detention as a last resort' may not effectively address underlying issues such as the overrepresentation of children in detention, lack of early intervention programs, and inadequate regional services. Additionally, differences in interpretation between legal groups and political stakeholders further complicate the ongoing discourse surrounding youth justice policy in Queensland.