Youths who break the law may be looking at a 3 strikes mandatory detention policy under Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington’s government.

With the election four months away, Ms Frecklington has announced this hardline approach to combat rising youth crime across Queensland.

Community Payback Farms

Another proposed change is to introduce 5 “Community Payback Farms”.

These farms would be for youths who are released from youth detention to live there so they can learn new skills and self-discipline, and take ownership of their actions.

Monitoring Bail Conditions

Police currently monitor compliance with bail conditions for youth offenders.

Under a Frecklington government, bail condition compliance monitoring would be conducted by staff from the Youth Justice Department.

This would mean Youth Justice Department staff would door knock houses to make sure youths were not breaking curfews.

Criminal Sentencing

Another proposed change is to ensure judges consider a youth offender’s criminal history if they are being sentenced as an adult for any criminal offence.

Justice Reinvestment Program

The Opposition Leader has said a Frecklington government would undertake a 2 year trial, named the “Justice Reinvestment Program.”

This program would focus on communities with a high concentration of offenders and aim to improve the physical, cognitive, social and emotional health of children to try avoid reoffending.

Youth Bail Houses

Youth bail houses would be discontinued due to an independent evaluation that identified youth bail houses as expensive and ineffective.

Ms Frecklington stated ““The LNP will overhaul the failing youth justice system that has brought so much crime and misery to communities like Townsville, Cairns and the Gold Coast.”

Will The Changes Proceed?

These changes are dependent on the outcome of the October 2020 election.

How We Can Help

Ryan Murdoch O’Regan’s criminal lawyers are passionate about defending criminal charges and have expert knowledge of the justice system. As a result, we can provide the best legal representation.

We understand funding a legal case can be a real issue. Legal Aid funding is available and we are preferred suppliers of Legal Aid for youth justice, criminal and traffic law cases. Our criminal lawyers can assist you to find out if you are eligible for Legal Aid funding.

Our team of lawyers are experts in their field and go above-and-beyond to deliver the best result, each and every time.

We are proud to provide 5 star customer service to our clients.

Get In Touch

Are you, or someone you know, facing criminal charges as a youth? Get the best representation. Contact Ryan Murdoch O’Regan Lawyers on 1800 999 529, email mail@rmold.newwebsite.live or submit an enquiry below.

We are available to meet with you at any of our local offices (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Beenleigh, Cleveland and Jimboomba) or by telephone or video-conference.

Reference

Marszalek, J, “Three strikes: LNP’s plan to combat youth crime”, The Courier Mail, 7 July 2020

This article is for your information and interest only. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and it does not constitute and must not be relied on as legal advice. You must seek specific advice tailored to your circumstances.