Editorial: LNP bid to toughen Youth Justice Act still needs work

The LNP’s strong stance on youth crime clearly has strong community support but, while it’s far too early to know if it’s having any effect in curbing juvenile crime, we do know it’s off to a rocky start, writes the editor.

It’s far too early to know if the LNP’s biggest election commitment – its overhaul of the Youth Justice Act – is having any effect in curbing juvenile crime.

But we do know it’s off to a rocky start. Two weeks ago, Premier David Crisafulli was forced to admit that the offence of attempted murder is not covered by the new “adult crime, adult time” amendments.

And that was only after a 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a supermarket worker at an Ipswich shopping centre.

And now, as we reported last week, two teenagers accused of a terrifying home invasion in Wellington Point have been granted bail, sparking outrage from victims and raising questions about how the new laws actually work.

A 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder after the stabbing of a supermarket worker at Ipswich. Photo Supplied

The two accused were released after facing the Children’s Court in Cleveland on Tuesday – despite police opposing bail.

We’re not about to second guess the courts, but the decision to release the boys highlights one of the fundamental challenges for politicians trying to impose their will on the judiciary: that judges and magistrates have the final say.

Mr Crisafulli’s response is to say the government’s approach to solving youth crime is a work in progress and to that end it has established an expert legal panel to examine possible further changes to its Making Queensland Safer Laws.

The LNP’s strong stance on youth crime clearly has strong popular support – it was its key policy plank in its victorious election campaign last year.

The clear message from voters was “go tougher, not softer”.

But, on the evidence so far, the LNP’s first stab at toughening up the Youth Justice Act still needs work.

As with all policies involving law and order, the challenge is finding the balance between delivering what the public wants (as interpreted by politicians) and honouring the “separation of powers” principle, which is at the heart of Australia’s democratic system of government.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: Steve Pohlner

This boils down to parliament making the laws, the public service putting them into action, and the judiciary making judgments about how they can apply them.

As it continues to tweak its approach to controlling youth crime laws, the state government must make sure it doesn’t hamstring judges and magistrates doing their job of applying the law – without undue political pressure.

In addition, getting tough on young miscreants won’t be enough to solve the problem on its own, a fact the government has often acknowledged.

It has just launched a round of information sessions for what it calls “two critical government youth crime fighting programs”.

One – the Staying on Track program – will provide 12-month rehabilitation for young offenders released from detention and the other – Regional Reset – is aimed at steering youth with high-risk behaviours away from a future life of crime.

As with the changes to the Youth Justice Act – current and proposed – it will be some time before we can assess results.

The reality is addressing youth crime is complex. A big stick isn’t enough on its own – even ignoring the debate about whether it does more harm than good by traumatising and further criminalising youngsters.

But the public also has a right to feel safe and violent criminals of whatever age need to be locked away. It’s up to the government to strike the right balance.

THOUGHTS FOR NORTH QUEENSLAND

We hope those many thousands of Queenslanders in the flood zone who wake this morning to another day of uncertainty find some solace knowing they are in our thoughts.

Yes, flooding rains are a part of life in the tropics – the other, brutal, side of that excellent choice to hang your hat in paradise. But that reality does not make it any easier when you look out the window and see the waters rising.

Police officers on the ground in Townsville as authorities urge people to evacuate in some suburbs. Picture: Cpl Riley Blennerhassett

For many – tragically – this will be the second time in six years they have endured those terrible hours. Sadly, a few will have homes they have only just been back in lost to nature’s wrath yet again. To them we send our sympathies.

Yes, as Queenslanders we like to think we are bred tougher than others – and when we get knocked down we proudly get back up again.

All of that may well be the case, particularly when it comes to those living in the tropics. But when you get knocked it still bloody hurts, no matter how tough you are.

Our thoughts are also with the very many defence personnel, police officers and emergency service workers who do not have the luxury of opting to stay home and out of danger.

To the contrary, they will be out again today in force serving their fellow Queenslanders. We salute them – and pray they will be safe.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at www.couriermail.com.au/help/contact-us

Originally published as Editorial: LNP bid to toughen Youth Justice Act still needs work