Qld youth offenders who breach bail to receive mandatory sentences

The Queensland government is set to implement significant bail reforms, introducing mandatory minimum jail sentences for youth offenders who breach their bail conditions. Premier David Crisafulli announced these changes as the next phase of the government's 'Adult Crime, Adult Time' (ACAT) initiative, promising the most substantial bail reforms in the state's history and potentially the strongest bail laws nationwide.

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We are doing the work as to who that applies for and for what period that minimum mandatory will be there, but it is the next step of adult crime, adult time.

Under the proposed changes, breaching bail by committing a specified crime will become a new offense, with potential application to adult offenders as well. Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber cited data indicating a 29% drop in serious repeat youth offenders since the ACAT laws were introduced. However, she acknowledged the challenge, noting that 61% of serious repeat youth offenders allegedly commit offenses while on bail.

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It is a sizeable challenge and the data demonstrates the size of the challenge we're facing.

The reforms have garnered support from families affected by youth crime, such as Cindy Micallef, whose mother was fatally stabbed by a teenager who had been granted bail multiple times. Micallef expressed hope that stronger bail laws would have prevented her mother's death. Conversely, the Together Union has raised concerns about the potential strain on the corrective services system, especially with youth justice workers planning a strike. Reports indicate that Queensland prisons are already operating significantly over capacity, with forecasts predicting a substantial increase in inmate numbers over the next decade.

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For me and my family, had there been stronger bail laws, because our offender had been out on bail three times already, my mother would still be alive.