What you said about ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws to be introduced in Qld

David Crisafulli’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws loom as a line in the sand moment for Queensland – and they already have us divided. HAVE YOUR SAY

Premier David Crisafulli and wife Tegan during the opening of parliament.

David Crisafulli’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws loom as a line in the sand moment for Queensland – and they already have us divided.

It was revealed that young criminals found guilty of stealing cars risk being hit with up to 10 years in jail under the state government’s landmark laws, which passed on December 12 and immediately sparked threats and a war of words.

The tough new laws will also double the maximum sentence for children found guilty of burglary, serious assault of a police officer, carjacking and robbery from seven years to 14 years.

And children convicted of murder would face a maximum of life in prison.

However experts claimed “adult crime, adult time” laws would wreak havoc on courts and prisons, target the most vulnerable children and make Queensland less safe.

Premier Crisafulli, in the LNP’s first piece of legislation since winning government, introduced the signature youth crime laws ensuring children who commit serious crimes face adult punishment.

Those crimes will include murder, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, wounding, serious assault, robbery, burglary, break and enter, dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle.

“This is adult crime, adult time, the tough laws with consequences for actions, voted for by Queenslanders,” Mr Crisafulli said.

The new laws will increase the sentences the courts can dish out to children, but Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council data shows the average punishment handed out to adults for the same offences is far less than the available maximum.

■ Your youth crime questions answered

Readers were torn over how effective the laws will be.

Some insisted it’s still not enough and the LNP’s pledge to get tough on crime is just talk.

Others, though, said this is the first step towards solving a problem Labor couldn’t when in power.

See what you had to say and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

Those for ‘adult crime adult time’

Dee Tupps

I’m sick of hearing about the criminals and their human rights, it’s time to hear about the victims and their rights to live in a safe society!

Bob

I continue to hear various members and components of society complained about the degeneration of youth behaviour and safety in the community but I do not hear them offer any solutions. They find it easier to condemn the efforts and ideas of others. We need to find out if this alternative approach helps.

Neil

Some parties get voted in and then later introduce policy’s on matters they never took the election…. And say they had a mandate! At least the LNP put this to the people and the people voted them in and they have a clear mandate to do this!

Stanley

Whilst inside, they should be given education that they missed out on whilst on the streets committing crimes. Can do it online in supervised room/s Should be no ability for truancy inside. They’ll be thankful later.

Tripilar

Can someone explain to Smiles two things … he was never elected and then totally rejected at the election …. No cares for his two bob’s worth …. Except maybe the unions..!

Ozi

About time!

Ted

Won’t stop those woke judges just releasing them out on bail / time after time after time

Western Rod

This is a starting point, will not prevent those who have not been taught at home not to offend, and the judiciary not to impose community extertations. But a great start to remove those who threaten our safety.

Paul

It’s a step in the right direction but we still need mandatory minimum sentences as well given that the bleeding heart judges will still let most off with their usual wet lettuce leaf slap on the wrist

John

It’s the woke soft attitude to disciplining kids that has us in this situation, if you don’t learn early that there are repercussions for your actions, you’ll continue to push the boundaries

Governor Dr Jeannette Young during the opening of parliament

Those against ‘adult crime adult time’

Trish Greskie

Unless the judges and magistrates get on board with this nothing will change

thedaily

You all elected Crisafulli based on a slogan with no context or clarity. This is what you get – zero change.

Paulie

What happened to mandatory and minimum sentences? More of the same from Labor lite.

Andrea

The current maximums were fine. The problem is the judges rarely punished anyone.

Brad

In other words, nothing changes. Very disappointing.

Marilyn

This is all smoke and mirrors, and will make absolutely no difference without minimum mandatory sentencing.

White dog

Is the LNP joking. Increasing the maximum will make no difference. They may as well say life in prison is the maximum. It’s the minimum being increased that we were led to believe was their election platform. Just another day in Qld politics.

Originally published as What you said about ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws to be introduced in Qld