The new Liberal National Party (LNP) government has introduced its new “adult crime, adult time” bill into Parliament.
The proposal forms part of Premier David Crisafulli’s Making Queensland Safer laws, which aim to tackle youth crime in the state.
“For too long, Queenslanders have had to call on their government to deliver real action on youth crime, and that government did not listen,” he said.
“This bill delivers on that call, sending a clear message to young offenders that crime will not be tolerated in Queensland.”
Crimes including murder, manslaughter, unlawful wounding, aggravated break and enter, and car theft will all attract stronger penalties, with the maximum sentence for murder and manslaughter increased from 10 years jail to a mandatory life sentence.
Meanwhile, sentences for grievous bodily harm and robbery will increase to 14 years, with serious assault and wounding now attracting seven-year sentences.
Car theft will now see a maximum jail term of 10 years, a sharp increase from the current one to five-year penalty.
Youth offenders will also no longer be able to wipe their record once they turn 18.
Children’s courts will also be open to media, as well as victims and their supporters.
The amendments will also remove “detention as a last resort” meaning young offenders can be placed in detention if it is deemed necessary, without concern for issues like bail.
The government passed a motion to have the new laws passed by Christmas, but it will first go to a committee.
The premier said the new laws would be bolstered by “gold-standard” early intervention programs.
“Under the changes we are introducing, courts will be able to consider an offender’s full criminal history to better address patterns of offending when sentencing,” Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said.
“We’re giving our judges and magistrates every tool they need to impose sentences that meet community expectations and keep violent offenders off our streets.”
Opposition Labor spokesman Mick de Brenni supported the motion, but criticised the sudden release of the finer details involved.
“Queenslanders could have seen these laws and given consideration to them,” he said.
“Instead, the LNP chose to keep them hidden until today.”
