Panel submissions close: Crisafulli Gov refuses to promise harsher sentences for teen rapists
The Crisafulli Government is a step closer to making the next raft of changes to the Youth Justice Act, however Queenslanders are no closer to getting confirmation that the changes will include harsher sentences for juvenile rapists.
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The Queensland government has refused to respond to questions on the inclusion of rape in the next round of changes to the Youth Justice Act as submissions close for the legal expert panel.
The Crisafulli government remains steadfast that any upcoming changes to the youth justice system as part of their Making Queensland Safer Laws will be up to the panel.
Changes were made to the Queensland Youth Crime Act in December 2023 after the newly elected LNP government’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ campaign which focused on ensuring tougher sentences for teens who commit serious offences.
Rape, sexual assault, and manslaughter were not included, however property crimes such as stealing cars and breaking into homes were included, as well as murder, manslaughter, serious assaults, robbery, and dangerous driving offences.
A media inquiry was sent to the office of Premier David Crisafulli asking if his government would ensure the panel will strengthen rape laws to ensure sentences handed down to convicted rapists, regardless of age, are in line with the community’s expectations.
His advisers said that the question had been addressed in the past and declined to answer regarding how the 13 chosen offences already bolstered were decided upon, as well as what support, funding, and programs were planned to tackle the rising rate of sexual violence.
At a press conference in Toowoomba on January 24, Mr Crisafulli said the panel would be looking at rape along with other a range of other offences.
“I can assure you that is something that that expert panel will be absolutely looking at,” Mr Crisafulli said.
However a spokeswoman for Attorney-General Deb Frecklington did respond to the inquiry.
“Making our community safer is our number one priority and the Crisafulli government has already delivered the first tranche of the Making Queensland Safer Laws for the five offence areas promised to Queenslanders before the election,” she said.
“Before the election the LNP also promised to establish the expert legal panel to review additional offences and more complex offences for inclusion in adult crime, adult time which will deliver additional reform to the Youth Justice Act.
“Together with early intervention and rehabilitation, the Crisafulli government is delivering the strong laws Queenslanders voted for, exactly as we outlined ahead of the election.
A media release issued by the government on January 20 stated expressions of interest were open for people who had experience in law and social services, however submissions closed on January 30.
An LNP spokeswoman said the panel members would be appointed by the Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber.
“Panellists will be appointed … for an initial period of twelve months,” she said.
“(They) will be tasked with a review of the Youth Justice Act to identify additional and more complex offences for inclusion for Adult Crime, Adult Time, as well as additional opportunities to reform the Act.
“The panel will make recommendations about delivering additional offences and will provide advice on how best to implement the legislative amendments.”
Questions left unanswered by Mr Crisafulli and Attorney-General Deb Frecklington were put to the government again. They are yet to respond.
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