UPDATE: Advocates are demanding immediate national leadership as a shocking report reveals children’s rights are being severely undermined by increasingly punitive youth justice approaches across Australia. The report, released by Save the Children and 54 Reasons, highlights the damaging impact of harsh bail laws and controversial legislation that imposes ‘adult time’ penalties in Queensland and Victoria.
The escalating crisis calls for urgent reform, with chief executive Catherine Liddle of the Indigenous children’s organization SNAICC stating, “These measures erode children’s rights and disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.” Data indicates that these children are almost 27 times more likely to be detained on any given day, a figure that underscores the systemic failures within the youth justice system.
The report outlines that punitive measures not only violate children’s rights but also increase the likelihood of reoffending. Vicki Mau, executive director of 54 Reasons, emphasized, “Locking up children doesn’t reduce crime; it creates more.” This alarming statement reflects a growing consensus among experts that the current system is failing to address the root causes of youth crime, such as poverty and trauma.
The personal impact of these policies is exemplified by Ethan, a 16-year-old First Nations boy currently in detention after breaching bail. He describes a distressing cycle: “The only way they think is go out, do crime, get locked up and get out again.” Ethan’s experience highlights the urgent need for reform that prioritizes rehabilitation over incarceration.
Liddle advocates for addressing the underlying issues that lead to crime, stating that many of these “crossover kids” enter the youth justice system because of failures in child protection. “This is not a sign of bad children; it is a result of bad systems,” she asserts.
The report urges the federal government to adopt national standards for youth justice, including raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 years old. It also recommends including young people in decisions that affect them and establishing dedicated cabinet ministers for children’s issues.
As these developments unfold, the call for urgent action grows louder. Advocates are pushing for immediate reforms to protect children’s rights and ensure a more humane and effective youth justice system. This is a critical moment for policymakers to respond to the urgent needs of vulnerable youth across Australia.
For those in need of support, resources are available: 13YARN at 13 92 76, Lifeline at 13 11 14, and Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 (for individuals aged 5 to 25).
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
