‘Backflip’ over controversial youth crime laws

Days after assurances that the new youth justice act was clear, it will be rewritten amid ongoing recriminations.

THE new youth justice act will be rewritten despite Police Minister Mark Ryan insisting just days ago the State Government believed the laws were clear.

The Opposition slammed the Government yesterday, accusing it of announcing changes during the “cover” of the coronavirus that dominated State Parliament while branding it as a backflip.

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Five-point plan to crack down on youth crime

The changes, which will amend youth bail laws, come after the Government copped significant backlash when Mr Ryan took aim at the courts last week, claiming they weren’t properly locking up young criminals.

In a press conference, Mr Ryan insisted eight times the Government believed the intention of the legislation was clear but conceded the Government would consider changing the laws.

Child Safety, Youth and Women Minister Di Farmer yesterday announced the legislation would be amended in light of the community’s perception.

However it’s not known when the laws will be changed.

“There is a perception in the community that the legislation as it stands is not clear,” she said.

“We want to ensure that it is crystal clear.”

Ms Farmer said if a young person was an unacceptable risk to the safety of the community or the welfare of someone, they must be kept in custody.

“We will simplify and strengthen the law so there is no doubt in the minds of the community that their safety comes first,” she said.

“These changes are aimed squarely at repeat and prolific young offenders.”

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said Labor’s changes were an admission that its reforms had fuelled Queensland’s crime wave.

Mr Ryan’s stinging rebuke to magistrates last week, which he made amid Labor’s $15 million crackdown on youth crime announcement, drew criticism including from Civil Liberties Council vice-president Terry O’Gorman who said: “If police are too lazy to appeal bail decisions, don’t blame the magistrates.”

The Government’s five-point plan will include putting more police prosecutors on to strengthen applications in which police oppose bail, while on-country rehabilitation will also begin mid year in Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa.

Originally published as ‘Backflip’ over controversial youth crime laws