The Youth Justice Reform Select Committee, established on 12 October 2023, will examine ongoing reforms to the youth justice system and support for victims of crime.
“There is significant concern among the community about youth crime and a need to better understand how to prevent and respond to this problem in Queensland. This committee will address that need” said committee chair and Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.
The committee will investigate a wide range of issues, including how to divert young offenders from the criminal justice system, prevent re-offending and – ultimately – better protect the community from the effects of youth crime.
“This is a controversial issue and one that affects all Queenslanders. The committee will be taking a collaborative and bipartisan approach to ensure it is able to identify constructive solutions for both the short and long term,” Ms Bolton said.
The committee is calling for submissions from key stakeholders, including victims of crime, people with lived experience of the youth justice system, service providers, experts and practitioners working in the field.
“We know the community is seeking solutions to this complex issue. That’s why the committee will use the first phase of the inquiry to develop its evidence base. Then the committee will test stakeholder support for potential strategies to address youth crime and assess what it would take to make them work on the ground,” Ms Bolton said.
The committee expects to receive public briefings from the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training, as well as the Queensland Police Service, and several other departments that interact with Queensland’s youth justice system in November.
In accordance with the terms of reference, the committee also intends to conduct site visits to assess the suitability of infrastructure used for the custody and detention of young people.
In early 2024, the committee will visit different parts of the state to hear from local communities and investigate how existing programs are operating on the ground.
To find out more about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to make a submission, visit the inquiry webpage at: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/youthjustice
