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 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.
Committee report tabled
▸Second Reading1 Apr 2025View Hansard
▸46 members spoke41 support1 oppose4 mixed
Strongly supported the bill as part of the government's Making Queensland Safer Laws, citing crime statistics showing reductions in stolen vehicles, break-ins, robberies and woundings since the LNP took office.
“Half the young people who were subject to EMD orders did not reoffend. That has been spoken about a lot in this debate. It is a really important point to emphasise. When these things are done right, they have a great outcome for our community.”— 2025-04-02View Hansard
As Minister for Youth Justice, introduced the bill to extend the electronic monitoring trial by 12 months to 30 April 2026 to allow a meaningful evaluation. Criticised the former Labor government's handling of the trial as an 'abysmal failure'.
“The Crisafulli government is extending the current trial of electronic monitoring as a bail condition for certain youth offenders for another 12 months to 30 April 2026 to allow time for a complete, meaningful and comprehensive evaluation.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As the responsible minister, replied to the debate defending the 12-month extension of the electronic monitoring trial. Outlined that an independent contractor had been engaged to evaluate the trial using mixed methods research, and confirmed the government would return to parliament before the new expiry date with a well-informed approach.
“Extending the electronic monitoring trial by one year is no exception. It will allow us the time to meaningfully and comprehensively evaluate the use of electronic monitoring for young offenders as a condition of bail.”— 2025-04-02View Hansard
As Shadow Minister, did not oppose the bill but was critical of the government's broader approach, arguing the bill merely changes one digit (the year) while failing to address systemic issues. Criticised the urgency declaration and the government's focus on punishment over early intervention.
“The bill changes just one digit—the year the trial expires from 2025 to 2026. It is a simple extension of a trial that Labor started.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As committee chair, presented the Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee's examination of the bill. Noted the committee recommended the bill be passed and highlighted the short timeframe for inquiry due to urgency.
“The committee recommends the Youth Justice (Monitoring Devices) Amendment Bill 2025 be passed.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Did not oppose extending the trial but criticised the government for using urgency provisions unnecessarily and for lacking evidence-based approaches. Argued the LNP opposed electronic monitoring when Labor first introduced it.
“Those opposite actually voted against the introduction of electronic monitoring devices. They voted against it. They then did a complete 180.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime impacts in the Redlands area of his electorate. Praised the government's Making Queensland Safer Laws.
“This bill is about making our community safer. It is about extending the trial so we can get proper data and make proper decisions.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared stories of youth crime impacts in the Pine Rivers electorate, including car thefts and home invasions.
“This bill is one more tool in the toolkit to address youth crime and keep our communities safe.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as Leader of the House, emphasising the need for evidence-based evaluation and criticising Labor's decade of inaction on youth crime.
“This government is committed to making Queensland safer and this bill is an important part of that commitment.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but criticised the government for claiming credit for a trial Labor initiated. Emphasised the need for early intervention and wraparound services alongside monitoring.
“We support extending the trial but the government needs to do more than just monitor—it needs to invest in the wraparound services that actually change behaviour.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted the devastating impact of youth crime in Far North Queensland communities. Called for stronger measures including mandatory rehabilitation alongside monitoring.
“We support this bill because our communities have been crying out for action on youth crime for years.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared constituent experiences of youth crime in the Caboolture area, including car thefts and break-ins.
“This bill sends a clear message that the Crisafulli government is serious about tackling youth crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Opposed the bill, arguing electronic monitoring of children is ineffective and harmful. Criticised the lack of evidence supporting monitoring and called for investment in evidence-based early intervention instead.
“There is no credible evidence that electronic monitoring of children reduces offending. What it does is entrench disadvantage and treat children like criminals rather than kids who need support.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime impacts on the Sunshine Coast, including car thefts and hooning. Praised the government's broader suite of Making Queensland Safer Laws.
“This bill is about giving our police and courts the tools they need to keep Queenslanders safe.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported extending the trial but called for stronger measures. Shared stories of youth crime devastation in the Hinchinbrook electorate and expressed frustration with the pace of reform.
“We need to extend this trial and get the data, but we also need to be prepared to go further if the evidence supports it.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for the Environment, supported the bill and noted he had warned the former government in 2021 that the trial cohort would be too small to produce meaningful data. That prediction proved correct.
“My concern, though, is that ... the cohort that will actually have these monitoring devices fitted may be so small that we may not have any meaningful data on which to base further decisions when the sunset clause concludes after two years.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared examples of youth crime in the Greenslopes electorate. Emphasised the need for evidence-based policy through a properly extended trial.
“Half of the young people who were subject to EMD orders did not reoffend. That is a result worth building on.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Did not oppose extending the trial but criticised the government for politicising youth justice. Argued the government should invest in evidence-based early intervention alongside monitoring.
“We need to look at the evidence and we need to look at what works, not just what sounds tough.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared extensive examples of youth crime devastation in Townsville, including the death of Jennifer Board. Emphasised the need for the trial to continue to gather data.
“In Townsville, all too tragically in February 2021 we had the incident of Jennifer Board, who was a potential future police officer.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill while calling for broader reforms. Highlighted youth crime impacts in remote and regional communities in his electorate.
“We support the extension of this trial because our communities need every tool available to deal with the youth crime crisis.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Attorney-General, supported the bill and emphasised the government's broader Making Queensland Safer package. Criticised Labor's decade of inaction on youth crime.
“The Crisafulli government is committed to restoring safety to our communities and reducing the number of victims of crime.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime impacts on the Gold Coast. Shared constituent stories of car thefts and home invasions.
“This bill is about extending the trial to get the evidence we need to make informed decisions about electronic monitoring.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared stories of youth crime impacts in Hervey Bay. Praised the minister and the government's approach to youth justice.
“This bill gives us the opportunity to collect the data we need to make evidence-based decisions about electronic monitoring.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for Trade, supported the bill and highlighted youth gang crime impacts on the Gold Coast including in her electorate of Mudgeeraba.
“This government is making Queensland safer and this bill is part of that commitment.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill as a former police officer, bringing frontline experience to the debate. Emphasised the frustration of police under the former government's weak youth justice laws.
“As a former police officer, I know firsthand the frustration of arresting the same young offenders over and over again.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared youth crime impacts in the Maryborough electorate. Highlighted the community's desire for stronger action on youth crime.
“My community has been crying out for action on youth crime and this government is delivering.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared youth crime impacts in his electorate. Criticised the former Labor government for being soft on crime.
“The Crisafulli government is committed to making Queensland safer and this bill is an important step.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime devastation in the Whitsunday region, including impacts on tourism and local businesses.
“Youth crime has devastated communities across the Whitsunday and this bill gives us the tools to start fixing the problem.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime impacts in Toowoomba. Shared stories of car thefts and break-ins affecting his constituents.
“This bill is about giving our communities the safety they deserve and our police the tools they need.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for Housing, supported the bill and highlighted the intersection of youth crime with housing and community safety on the Sunshine Coast.
“This government is taking action where the former government failed, and this bill is part of that action.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted the severe youth crime impacts in Cairns. Noted the Cairns Regional Council's strong advocacy for extending the trial.
“The Cairns Regional Council has strongly advocated for this trial's extension because they see the devastation youth crime causes.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime devastation in Townsville communities. Shared constituent experiences of repeated victimisation.
“Our community has suffered enough and this government is taking the action that Labor refused to take for a decade.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared extensive youth crime impacts in the Burdekin electorate. Highlighted tragic cases including the death of Jennifer Board in Townsville.
“Jennifer Board was just 22 years old when she was killed by a stolen car driven by a youth offender. That is why this bill matters.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime in rural and regional areas of his electorate. Criticised Labor's decade of inaction.
“This bill is about extending the trial to get proper evidence so we can make informed decisions about the future of electronic monitoring.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and shared youth crime experiences from the Southern Downs electorate. Emphasised the need for evidence-based evaluation.
“This government is committed to evidence-based policy and this trial extension will give us the data we need.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for Health, supported the bill and highlighted the health and social impacts of youth crime on communities.
“This bill is part of the Crisafulli government's comprehensive approach to making Queensland safer.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and drew on his experience as a former police officer to highlight the frustrations of dealing with repeat youth offenders under weak laws.
“Our police deserve the tools they need and our communities deserve to be safe. This bill delivers on both.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and highlighted youth crime impacts in the northern Gold Coast area. Shared constituent experiences of car thefts and break-ins.
“This bill extends the trial so we can get the evidence we need to make the right decisions for Queensland's future.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for Transport, supported the bill and highlighted the impact of stolen vehicles on communities. Criticised Labor's failure to address the youth crime crisis.
“This government is committed to making Queensland safer and we make no apologies for taking strong action.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As former opposition leader and Treasurer, provided a detailed historical account of Labor's failures on youth crime. Cited former commissioner Bob Atkinson's principle that public safety is paramount and community confidence essential.
“Public safety is paramount and community confidence is essential. What did we see over the period of the Labor government? We saw that public safety was not paramount.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for Education, discussed the rise of youth gangs and eshay culture, linking disengagement from education during COVID to the youth crime surge. Detailed Gold Coast gang history and the role of social media in driving youth crime.
“COVID was a period when we had a whole generation of kids who did not go to school and whose parents found it very hard trying to be teachers.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and provided detailed statistics on the trial's history, noting only five offenders monitored in the first year. Cited positive examples of youth offenders who did not reoffend while monitored.
“Half of the young people who were subject to EMD orders did not reoffend, and that is a positive for the people of Queensland.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for Primary Industries, supported the bill and cited statistics showing proven youth offences increased 98 per cent over 10 years. Criticised Labor for treating youth crime as a political rather than crime problem.
“The more than 46,000 proven offences by young people in the last financial year represent a 12 per cent increase over the previous year, a 51 per cent increase over the previous five years and a 98 per cent increase over the previous 10 years.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
As Minister for Local Government, supported the bill and highlighted youth crime impacts in rural western Queensland communities. Praised the minister for her work and noted police frustration with the former government's soft-on-crime approach.
“They would pick up these youth offenders but they would be back out the next day. They felt like they were trying to do their job with one hand tied behind their back.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and argued it is about accountability and creating opportunities for young people to turn their lives around. Emphasised the need for clear boundaries and consequences.
“This is not just a policy fix; it is a public safety measure and it is long overdue.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
Supported the bill and recapped the history of the failed trial. Moved the adjournment of the debate. Emphasised the importance of collecting 365 more days of data for a proper evaluation.
“This bill extends the trial for electronic monitoring devices for one year to ensure a meaningful and comprehensive evaluation can be conducted.”— 2025-04-01View Hansard
▸In Detail2 Apr 2025View Hansard
That the amendment be agreed to
This division relates to an ALP amendment to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Delivery Plan motion moved by Ms Fentiman, not to the Youth Justice (Monitoring Devices) Amendment Bill. The amendment sought to add a commitment to support Australian athletes and para-athletes. It was defeated 31 ayes to 48 noes.
The motion passed.
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Ayes (48)
Noes (31)
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
This division relates to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Delivery Plan motion, not to the Youth Justice (Monitoring Devices) Amendment Bill. The original motion was put following the defeat of the ALP amendment. It passed 48 ayes to 31 noes.
The motion passed.
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Ayes (48)
Noes (31)
Assent date: 9 April 2025