Queensland Government passes legislation to allow victims of youth crime, families and media into Children’s Court

Families of people killed by youth offenders as well as victims of youth crime and journalists are now allowed access to Children’s Court.

Children’s court has officially opened.

A recent law change has officially opened Children’s Court to the victims of youth offenders, their families and accredited media organisations.

The Miles Government passed a legislation in Queensland parliament that will enable greater access to criminal matters heard by the Children’s Magistrates Courts, following a promise made by the Premier earlier this year.

Journalists who previously had to apply to be present in the court can now attend court proceedings if accredited unless an exclusion has been made on the basis to prevent prejudice or for the safety of any person including the child.

The new changes will also see victims of crime or the family of the victims who have died, including by homicide attend court.

Journalists are still prohibited from identifying children involved in criminal matters.

Premier of Queensland Steven Miles in Queensland parliament. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Premier Steven Miles said in a statement published August 30 that his government would put victims first.

“It’s why it made sense to me that we allow them, as well as families of homicide victims, to attend Children’s Court proceedings,” he said.

“They more than anyone deserve to hear matters first-hand as they progress through the courts.

“These laws strike the right balance between transparency and protecting the interests of the child and will only strengthen community confidence in our justice system.”

Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath said allowing “open justice” by ensuring victims of crime could attend Children’s Court will enable them to see justice in progress and help them recognise their rights.

“The Government has hard the voices of victims many of whom felt let down by the previous laws,” she said.

“Changing the test about whether media is allowed to attend Children’s Court proceedings will also help give the wider community confidence in the justice system.

“We still have a responsibility to safeguard the best interests of accused children but the new measures strike the right balance between that and the rights of victims.”

Originally published as Queensland Government passes legislation to allow victims of youth crime, families and media into Children’s Court