Youth Justice (Monitoring Devices) Amendment Bill 2025
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill extends Queensland's trial of electronic monitoring devices for children on bail by one year, to 30 April 2026. The trial allows courts to order children aged 15 and over who are charged with serious offences and have a history of offending to wear a monitoring device as a condition of bail. The extension gives the government time to properly evaluate whether the devices are effective before deciding the trial's future.
Who it affects
The trial applies to children aged 15 and over who are charged with prescribed serious offences and have a pattern of offending. Courts in 13 locations across Queensland, from Cairns to the Gold Coast, can impose monitoring as a bail condition.
Key changes
- Extends the electronic monitoring trial expiry date from 30 April 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Allows time for a comprehensive review of trial data, including from the August 2024 expansions that broadened eligible offences and added five new sites
- Does not change how the trial operates, who is eligible, or where it applies
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee20 Feb 2025 – 1 Apr 2025View Hansard
Referred to Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee
The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee examined the bill under urgency provisions, receiving 14 submissions and holding a public hearing. The committee recommended the bill be passed. The bill extends the trial of electronic monitoring devices for young people on bail by 12 months to allow for a comprehensive evaluation. The committee acknowledged that the trial had not yet produced conclusive evidence of effectiveness but considered the extension necessary to avoid ending the trial without meaningful data. Labor members filed a statement of reservation and the Greens member filed a dissenting report opposing the bill.
Key findings (5)
- The electronic monitoring trial has been running since 2021 with multiple extensions but has not produced conclusive evidence of effectiveness in reducing reoffending
- The majority of stakeholders were sceptical about further extending the trial, while the department argued more time was needed to reach a sufficient sample size of 130-140 participants
- The Queensland Human Rights Commission argued the trial places unjustifiable limits on children's rights given the lack of evidence, and may increase offending through the criminogenic effect of justice system contact
- Preliminary data showed approximately 50 per cent of young people subject to electronic monitoring did not reoffend during the monitoring period
- The government is investing $485 million over four years in new youth crime prevention and rehabilitation programs alongside the trial
Recommendations (1)
- The committee recommends that the Bill be passed.
▸Second Reading1 Apr 2025 – 2 Apr 2025View Hansard
▸44 members spoke40 support1 oppose3 mixed
Strongly supported the bill as part of the government's Making Queensland Safer Laws, highlighting crime statistics showing early reductions in stolen vehicles, break-ins, robberies and woundings under the new government.
“What a great piece of legislation. Members can stay as I think it is important that members listen to my contribution.”— 2025-04-02View Hansard
As Minister for Youth Justice, introduced the bill to extend the electronic monitoring devices trial by 12 months, detailing the history of the trial from 2021 and arguing a meaningful evaluation requires more data.
“This bill extends the trial for 12 months to allow for electronic monitoring to be properly evaluated in this state.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
In reply, defended the bill's extension of the electronic monitoring trial, confirmed an independent contractor has been engaged for the evaluation, and outlined the government's $485 million investment in youth justice programs.
“Extending this electronic monitoring trial by one year, as proposed by this bill, is one tool in the toolkit to do that.”— 2025-04-02View Hansard
Confirmed Labor would not oppose the bill but criticised the government for bringing a five-page bill that changes only one numeral when the amendment could have been included in the Making Queensland Safer Laws debated weeks earlier.
“We will not be opposing the bill. My point is that we are coming back to the parliament this week to change one numeral in the Youth Justice Act—one numeral.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Chair of the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee, supported the bill as a significant step in addressing youth crime, noting the committee recommended it be passed.
“This extension is crucial to allow for a comprehensive and meaningful evaluation of the trial's effectiveness in reducing offending rates among youth offenders and enhancing community safety.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's commitment to tackling youth crime and keeping communities safe.
“The Crisafulli government is serious about giving our police the tools they need to do their job.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Confirmed Labor would not oppose the bill but ridiculed it as the smallest bill he had seen, changing only one number from 4 to 5, questioning why a whole bill was needed.
“I looked at the first page, which was just the cover page, the second page was the long title of the bill and the last page was a blank page. I finally found the amendment in this bill—it was to change '4' to '5'.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking from her experience representing Thuringowa where youth crime is a significant concern.
“Youth crime is devastating our communities and we need every tool available.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting that while the amendment is simple, electronic monitoring devices offer an alternative to remand that keeps young people connected to their communities, family and education.
“These devices help authorities ensure compliance with bail conditions, offering an alternative to remand and allowing young people to stay connected to their communities, family and education.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as Leader of the House, arguing the trial extension was necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.
“This extension will allow us to properly evaluate the effectiveness of electronic monitoring in reducing youth offending.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Acknowledged the government is trying to address youth crime but does not believe monitoring devices will make any difference, arguing stronger deterrents like relocation sentencing and minimum mandatory sentencing are needed.
“While I commend the state government on at least trying to address the youth crime pandemic, I do not believe this bill will make any difference to reducing youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the impact of youth crime in Hervey Bay.
“Youth crime in Hervey Bay is a very real concern for my community.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's youth justice reform agenda.
“Electronic monitoring is another tool in our toolkit for addressing youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Opposed the bill, arguing GPS monitoring of children is an expensive, restrictive experiment with no conclusive evidence of reducing reoffending, that it creates adverse outcomes for children including increased criminalisation from breach of bail, and that the government should invest in proven evidence-based alternatives instead.
“At what point will this government accept they are not going to find evidence that GPS monitors reduce reoffending and instead look elsewhere for proven solutions?”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the general concept of monitoring devices but criticised the trial as inadequate, noting only eight youth offenders were initially fitted with devices due to overly narrow eligibility criteria and that the devices can be removed by offenders.
“That only eight were fitted was a complete failure.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of efforts to address youth crime in the Redlands community.
“We need to give the trial sufficient time to gather meaningful data.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Described the bill as tinkering at the edges of the youth crime problem, acknowledging monitoring devices are a useful tool but arguing they are by no means a solution in themselves, and calling for stronger measures.
“This is a pretty small measure to attack such a big problem. In the KAP we have often referred to it as 'tinkering at the edges' of this crime issue.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's comprehensive approach to youth justice.
“Electronic monitoring is an important component of our approach to reducing youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the impact of youth crime in his regional electorate.
“Our communities deserve to feel safe and this bill is part of delivering on that.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Attorney-General, supported the bill as part of the government's commitment to community safety.
“The Crisafulli government is delivering on its promise to address youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the impact of youth crime on the Gold Coast.
“We owe it to our communities to ensure that every tool available is being used.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the devastating impact of youth crime in Townsville.
“Townsville has been at the frontline of the youth crime crisis and we need every tool available.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's broader approach to community safety.
“Electronic monitoring gives us another way to hold young offenders accountable.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as a new member, speaking about the youth crime concerns in her electorate.
“My community expects action on youth crime and this bill delivers.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the youth crime concerns in Maryborough.
“The community of Maryborough wants to see action on youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's tough approach to youth justice.
“We need to hold young offenders accountable for their actions.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, arguing the trial extension was necessary to gather sufficient evidence on the effectiveness of electronic monitoring.
“We need the data to make informed decisions about the future of electronic monitoring.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about the impact of youth crime in Toowoomba.
“Toowoomba residents are fed up with youth crime and want to see action.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's response to youth crime.
“Our communities want to see young offenders monitored and held accountable.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the youth crime crisis in the Townsville region.
“The people of Mundingburra deserve to feel safe in their own homes.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, speaking about youth crime concerns in Rockhampton.
“Electronic monitoring is an important tool for keeping our community safe.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's youth justice reform agenda in Far North Queensland.
“Youth crime in Far North Queensland demands a strong response.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, discussing the impact of youth crime in regional Queensland.
“Regional communities are bearing the brunt of the youth crime crisis.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the youth crime concerns in his electorate.
“Every tool that helps address youth crime deserves our support.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, drawing on his experience as a former police officer.
“As a former officer I know the value of monitoring tools in keeping communities safe.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's commitment to addressing youth crime.
“The community expects strong action on youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as Minister for Customer Services.
“Monitoring devices are a practical tool for reducing youth reoffending.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as Health Minister.
“We need to take every step available to address youth crime in our communities.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as Education Minister.
“Keeping our communities safe is a priority for this government.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting youth crime concerns on the Gold Coast.
“The people of Coomera want to see young offenders held accountable.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's community safety agenda.
“Electronic monitoring will help hold young offenders accountable.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting the impact of youth crime in western Queensland.
“Our regional communities need every tool available to address youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as part of the government's ongoing response to youth crime.
“Every step we take to monitor young offenders is a step towards safer communities.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill, noting youth crime concerns in the Burnett region.
“The trial extension will help us understand the true impact of electronic monitoring.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
▸In Detail2 Apr 2025View Hansard
That the amendment be agreed to
Vote on an ALP amendment to an Olympic Games motion to add a commitment to support Australian athletes and para-athletes; not related to the Youth Justice bill.
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (48)
Noes (31)
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
This division appears to relate to an earlier motion in the sitting day, not to the Youth Justice (Monitoring Devices) Amendment Bill itself, which passed on voice votes.
The motion passed.