Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Legal Affairs and Safety Committee
▸1 procedural vote
Vote to grant leave
Second KAP attempt to move amendment on youth detention provisions - defeated.
Permission was refused.
A vote on whether to grant permission — for example, to introduce an amendment or vary normal procedure.
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Ayes (34)
Noes (51)
▸25 members spoke23 support2 mixed
Supports the bill but criticises Labor's record on youth justice, arguing the bill comes too late and does not go far enough.
“This bill comes too late for the lives lost, the injuries sustained by innocent bystanders, and the thousands of people who have had their property stolen and destroyed by children wreaking havoc in our communities.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill as implementing amendments to respond to serious recidivist youth offenders while building on the government's five-point action plan and Youth Justice Strategy.
“The objectives of the bill are to respond to the characteristics of the offending behaviours of serious recidivist youth offenders and to strengthen the youth justice bail framework.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
As Minister for Police, moved the second reading and strongly advocated for the bill as necessary to address recidivist youth offenders who account for nearly 50% of youth offending despite being only 10% of offenders.
“The aim of this bill is to protect the community from harm, reduce crime and ensure young offenders are held to account for their actions.”— 2021-04-20View Hansard
Supports the bill as part of the government's comprehensive approach to youth justice.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
As Shadow Attorney-General, supports the bill but will move amendment to reinstate breach of bail. Criticises government's delay and inconsistent approach to youth justice.
“We all support this bill. We will seek to move the amendment. We will watch the outcome closely.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
Will not oppose the bill but has serious concerns it does not go far enough. Moved amendments to make breach of bail an offence for juveniles as it is for adults, and criticised the government's approach as inadequate.
“I state at the outset that, whilst the LNP will not be opposing this bill, we do have some serious concerns regarding its effectiveness in addressing the current and long-running youth crime problem in this state.”— 2021-04-20View Hansard
Supports the bill following tragic events in his electorate.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill as a balanced approach to youth justice.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
As Minister for Children and Youth Justice, supported the bill as part of a multifaceted approach combining enforcement with early intervention and rehabilitation programs, noting $100 million in additional funding.
“Community safety is paramount and community confidence in our youth justice system is essential. These are the principles underpinning our Working Together Changing the Story Youth Justice Strategy.”— 2021-04-20View Hansard
Supports the bill but strongly criticises Labor's record, citing statistics showing crime went down under LNP government and up under Labor.
“The QPRIME data presented at last week's symposium on youth crime by Dr Molly McCarthy shows that from 2015 to 2016 the number of young people recorded for offences shot up by almost 2,000.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill while arguing stronger measures including breach of bail are needed.
“I rise to speak on the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
Supports the LNP amendment but argues the bill does not go far enough to address youth crime, particularly in North Queensland. Criticised previous government programs including failed bail houses.
“This legislation takes some small steps at a time when parts of our state, in particular North Queensland, are screaming out for some real action.”— 2021-04-20View Hansard
Supports the bill while arguing for stronger measures.
“I rise to speak on the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill's approach to youth justice reform.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
Supports the bill while advocating for breach of bail.
“I rise to speak on the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill but argues for stronger measures.
“I rise to speak on the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
Supports the bill as former police officer.
“I rise to speak on the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill as part of the government's comprehensive approach to youth justice.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
Supports the bill as part of youth justice reform.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill while calling for tougher measures on youth crime.
“I rise to speak on the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
Supports the bill while criticising it for not going far enough.
“I rise to speak on the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill as evidence-based youth justice reform.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
As Minister for Police, moved the bill and government amendments for electronic monitoring trial and bail conditions.
“This bill will continue our efforts to create a safer community. It will contribute to a safer, more secure Queensland.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill and opposes the LNP's breach of bail amendment.
“I rise to speak in support of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
As former Opposition Leader, supports the bill but strongly advocates for breach of bail amendment, citing community frustration with repeat youth offending.
“While this legislation goes some way towards the issues surrounding juvenile crime, it definitely does not go far enough, and that is why the opposition will be moving an amendment.”— 2021-04-21View Hansard
Supports the bill passing but moved amendments to repeal detention as last resort provisions, arguing current laws are too soft on repeat offenders.
“They get caught and the next minute they are back on the street. It is a badge of honour if they get into the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Supports the bill passing but voted for KAP amendments to strengthen youth justice laws, citing petition with 5,000 signatures from his electorate.
“I had a petition signed by 5,000 Atherton Tablelanders who wanted to see the repeal of item 18 in schedule 1 of the Youth Justice Act 2015.”— 2021-04-22View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill responds to a small group of repeat young offenders responsible for nearly half of youth crime by tightening bail laws and allowing GPS monitoring. It also gives Gold Coast police new powers to scan people for knives in entertainment areas, and makes it easier to prosecute drivers involved in hooning offences.
Who it affects
Young repeat offenders face tougher bail conditions, parents may be asked to support compliance, Gold Coast nightlife visitors may be scanned for knives, and vehicle owners can be held responsible for hooning if they don't identify the driver.
Youth justice bail reforms
Targets the 10% of young offenders responsible for 48% of youth crime. Creates stricter bail rules for those charged with serious offences while already on bail, and allows courts to order GPS tracking for repeat offenders aged 16-17 in trial areas.
- Presumption against bail for young people charged with serious offences while already on release - they must show cause why they should not be detained
- Courts can order GPS tracking devices for repeat offenders aged 16-17 charged with 'prescribed indictable offences' (12-month trial with 2-year sunset clause)
- Courts can consider whether parents have agreed to support bail compliance and report breaches
- Committing an offence while on bail is explicitly an aggravating factor at sentencing
- Charter of Youth Justice Principles amended to reference protecting the community from 'recidivist high-risk offenders'
Knife scanning in entertainment precincts
Following two fatal stabbings in Surfers Paradise, police can now use handheld metal scanners to detect knives in Gold Coast safe night precincts. The trial runs for 12 months with a 2-year sunset clause.
- Police can require people to stop and be scanned with handheld metal detectors in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach CBD safe night precincts
- Senior police officer (inspector or above) must authorise scanning for 12-hour periods
- If scanner detects metal, person must produce items; refusal allows police to search without warrant
- Scanning does not count as a 'search' under police powers legislation
Hooning enforcement
Makes it harder for hooning drivers to escape prosecution by hiding their identity. Vehicle owners must provide information to help identify the driver or be deemed responsible for the offence themselves.
- Owner onus provisions extended from just 'evade police' to all type 1 hooning offences (dangerous driving, burnouts, street racing)
- Vehicle owners must provide statutory declaration within 14 days identifying driver or providing information to assist investigation
- Failure to comply is an offence (maximum 100 penalty units) and owner can be deemed the driver
- Limited ability to raise new evidence in defence if not disclosed in the statutory declaration