Queensland 'Actively Pursuing' Allowing Police to Collect Child Suspect DNA

The Queensland government is actively exploring amendments to the law that would permit police to collect DNA from child suspects without requiring a court order. Currently, law enforcement must obtain judicial permission to swab individuals under 17. Police Minister Dan Purdie confirmed the government's intention to change the law. The Queensland Police Union has backed the move, citing a "discrepancy" in how child and adult offenders' DNA is handled. Union president Shane Prior stated that if a child is old enough to commit crimes, they are old enough to have their DNA recorded, emphasizing the tool's importance for investigations. However, the proposal faces strong opposition from human rights advocates. Debbie Kilroy, chief executive of Sisters Inside, argues the measure is not about community safety but about "normalizing the legal dehumanization of children." She expressed concern that the government is sending a message that children are not entitled to the same human rights and are being treated as perpetual targets rather than rights holders.

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If you are old enough to go out in the community and commit crimes in the community, then you are old enough to have your DNA recorded.