Queensland’s Tougher Crime Laws to Cover Another 20 Offences, Including Boasting on Social Media

Young criminals across Queensland have been put on notice, with a broad range of crimes set to attract strict penalties of up to life in prison.

A sign can be seen outside the Brisbane Watch House in Brisbane, Queensland of Australia on July 12, 2024. Patrick Hamilton/AFP via Getty Images

A whole swathe of offences have been earmarked for “Adult Crime, Adult Time” penalties as the Queensland LNP government reveals it plans to another 20 criminal offences for minors on top of the existing 13.

State Premier David Crisafulli introduced the new laws to the Queensland Parliament on April 1, following consultation with the Expert Legal Panel.

The move also comes after the Crisafulli government released figures indicating a reduction in youth offending year-on-year since the first wave of the laws were introduced last year.

The list of 20 new offences to receive stiffer penalties include killing or harming an unborn baby, attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, torture, aggravated attempted robbery, trafficking in dangerous drugs, and endangering a police officer when driving a motor vehicle.

“Adult Crime, Adult Time puts victims first by restoring consequences for action, it’s what we promised and what we’re delivering,” Premier Crisafulli said in a statement.

“Not only does this send a strong message to youth criminals, it is critical in taking dangerous repeat offenders off our street to help make our community safer.”

Minister for Youth Justice and Corrective Services Laura Gerber said further reforms would be considered, along with other measures to help bring the youth crime rate down.

“We’re not just focused on delivering consequences for actions—our plan is also focused on effective early intervention and meaningful rehabilitation to help break the cycle of crime for good,” she said.

Social Media Focus

Offences where social media is an aggravating factor have also been included, such as unlawful use of a vehicle for social media purposes, which will attract a maximum sentence of 12 years.

Social media “boasting” about crime became an aggravating factor in Queensland’s courts in 2023, with more than 120 charges laid between March and November in that year.

Further if offenders are armed to cause fear that normally attracts a maximum two years’ jail, which will increase to three years if there are circumstances of aggravation including publishing videos to social media.

Burglary for social media content will also receive higher sentences than basic burglary. The current penalty is seven years, and under the new laws will be expanded to 14 years with another 2 extra years if social media is involved.

See the government’s full list of offences here (pdf).

The LNP’s campaign comes amid a series of violent youth offending in the state.

For example, a young offender in Ipswich stabbed a 63-year-old Coles worker in the back with a knife, prompting a knife ban across the supermarket chain. However, the boy was charged with attempted murder at the time that fell outside the ambit of the initial tranche of laws.