Harsher bail laws are working, says youth justice review

A new government review shows harsh youth bail laws are working to keep more repeat offenders behind bars and for longer. But an anti-crime advocate says something doesn’t add up.

Harsher bail laws are working to keep more young criminals behind bars reveals a government report released this week, but a Cairns anti-crime advocate is unconvinced they’re going far enough saying the current rate of car thefts and break-ins across the region prove they’re not working..

State Member for Cairns Michael Healy welcomed the long-awaited Atkinson review into Youth Justice reforms, released Tuesday, saying it showed the Queensland government was succeeding in cracking down on youth crime.

“The findings of the Atkinson review reinforce what I’ve been saying to the residents of my Cairns electorate for a long time – the Palaszczuk government is cracking down on the small number of serious repeat offenders who make up about 10 per cent of young offenders,” he said.

State MP for Cairns Michael Healy says the findings of the Atkinson review into youth justice reforms prove government initiatives to tackle youth crime are working. Picture: Bronwyn Farr

“The review found young people who commit offences are feeling the impact of legislative changes made last year.

“The data shows a decrease in the proportion of serious recidivist offenders on bail, in line with the introduction of a presumption against bail. These are among the toughest youth bail laws in the nation.”

Last year’s reforms removed presumption of bail for serial youth offenders, meaning they must prove why they should be granted bail rather than being presumed innocent.

“Since the legislation took effect, we have seen more serious repeat offenders being held in custody, and for longer,” Mr Healy said.

“The review also found more offenders were being remanded in custody which means they aren’t breaching bail or committing further offences.”

Anti-crime campaigner Perri Conti says it is clear bail reforms are not working to curb youth crime. Picture: Brendan Radke

Prominent Cairns anti-crime campaigner Perri Conti scoffed at the idea the bail reforms were working.

“In their dreams,” she said. “If their bail condition reforms are working why have we had almost 1200 cars stolen so far this year? Why have we had over 5400 unlawful entries?

“Are they saying we’ve got more and more young people coming out and being criminals? It’s ridiculous.

“If it was working like they say it was working we wouldn’t have all this crime happening.”

Ms Conti said the whole youth justice system was “broken”.

She argued fewer youth offenders should be granted bail and should instead be redirected to rural rehabilitation centres.

Ms Conti also supported increased services for parents and early intervention for children at risk of falling into crime.

“It’s so easy, but they (politicians) make everything difficult,” she said.

Originally published as Harsher bail laws are working, says youth justice review