Keeping Far North Queensland communities safe has been one of my highest priorities since being elected, and I have consistently advocated for stronger action to address the youth crime crisis impacting local families, businesses and communities.
That is why I welcome the Queensland Government’s announcement of the next phase of Adult Crime, Adult Time, with new Breach Bail, Go to Jail reforms set to strengthen youth bail laws and hold repeat offenders accountable when they commit serious crimes while on bail.
Across Barron River and throughout Far North Queensland, residents have repeatedly raised concerns about serious repeat offenders being released on bail, only to return to the community and commit further crimes.
Time and again, I have taken these concerns directly to Government because local families deserve to feel safe in their own homes, businesses deserve protection from repeat offending, and victims deserve a justice system that puts their rights first.
This latest reform follows extensive feedback from communities across Queensland who have made it clear they want stronger consequences for repeat youth offenders who fail to comply with bail conditions.
Under the next phase of Adult Crime, Adult Time, a new offence will be created for youth offenders who commit serious Adult Crime, Adult Time offences while on bail.
The reforms will include:
- A new offence for youth offenders who breach bail by committing serious crimes.
- The offence will apply to crimes already captured under Adult Crime, Adult Time laws.
- Repeat offenders will face a mandatory minimum period of detention.
- New legislation is expected to be in place by the end of 2026.
The aim is simple: if a young offender is given the privilege of bail and then chooses to commit another serious crime, there will be clear and meaningful consequences.
While there is still much work to do, early results indicate Queensland is beginning to turn the tide on youth crime.
The Government reports that victim numbers have fallen by 7.2 per cent, reversing a trend that saw victim numbers increase significantly over the previous decade.
These results suggest that stronger laws, increased police resources, early intervention programs and rehabilitation efforts are working together to improve community safety.
However, many Far North Queensland residents continue to experience the impacts of repeat offending, which is why continuing to strengthen the justice system remains essential.
For too long, many local residents felt their concerns about youth crime were being ignored.
I have been proud to stand alongside victims, residents, community groups and business owners calling for practical reforms that place community safety at the centre of the justice system.
The introduction of Breach Bail, Go to Jail is another important step in delivering on the commitment to restore safety in our communities and ensure repeat offenders are held accountable for their actions.
As the Member for Barron River, I will continue advocating strongly for policies that improve community safety across our region.
Far North Queenslanders deserve to feel safe when they go to work, when they run their businesses, and when they put their families to bed at night.
These reforms demonstrate that community voices are being heard, and I will continue working with local residents, police, victims and community organisations to ensure the unique challenges facing our region remain front and centre.
While there is still more to do, the expansion of Adult Crime, Adult Time through the new Breach Bail, Go to Jail laws represents another important step towards making our communities safer and restoring confidence in Queensland’s justice system.
