The Queensland Parliament’s Youth Justice Reform Select Committee has re-opened its call for submissions and confirmed plans to hold a public hearing on the Sunshine Coast.
Committee Chair and Noosa MP Sandy Bolton, “next week, the committee will hold the first of its regional hearings in Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa.”
“Many have already registered their interest in coming to a hearing, however we appreciate that not everyone will have the opportunity to speak to us in person. The committee wants to make sure everyone in regional Queensland has an opportunity to share their views with us. That’s why we have re-opened submissions to the inquiry.”
In addition to the committee’s terms of reference, the committee is interested in hearing feedback from the community regarding the seven priority areas endorsed by the committee in December. These include whether changes are needed to the Youth Justice Act 1992, including the sentencing principles, and the development of a long-term strategy for youth justice in Queensland.
Ms Bolton explained, “we need to know what regional Queenslanders think about the priority areas arising from the hearings and submissions to date, including around youth justice infrastructure, and better support for victims of crime. However, everyone is welcome to make submissions on any issue that falls within the committee’s terms of reference.”
“The best way to make a submission is via the committee’s website. It’s a quick and easy process, and submitters can request confidentiality.”
The committee has confirmed that it will hold a public hearing on the Sunshine Coast on Friday, 23 February. The committee also hopes to hold a public hearing in Central Queensland before the end of February. The committee has previously announced hearings in Townsville, Cairns, Mount Isa, Toowoomba and Southport.
For more information about the committee’s inquiry, including details of the committee’s terms of reference and priority areas, and times and locations of the regional hearings, please refer to the inquiry webpage at: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/youthjustice.
