The Queensland Government has announced a relocation sentencing trial through an expanded intensive On Country Ppogram for youth offenders.
This has been welcomed by Independent Noosa MP Sandy Bolton whose advocacy and support were based on her annual Noosa MP Community Survey, which saw over 80 per cent of respondents supporting ‘sentencing repeat youth offenders to remote rehabilitation/work/education facilities and programs’.
“Being only one of five MPs (from 93) last year to support relocation sentencing as an extra option for the courts, this announcement is a positive step in reducing youth crime. However, the element missing is that it should also incorporate non-Indigenous youth. This ensures that options for rehabilitation are not segmented, as walking a path to not reoffending should be one done together,” Sandy said.
The expanded-On Country trial will provide an essential rehabilitation pathway incorporating education or training for jobs, as well practical life skills including cooking, cleaning, budgeting, setting up bank accounts and obtaining identification, all skills needed to break the cycle of offending.
“Our advocacy for an expanded On Country program and support for relocation sentencing commenced in 2021 including in a speech on a Youth Justice Bill in April that year, and further in Parliamentary speeches last year. This provides both the residential component and the extra time needed to effect real change, that was missing from previous rehabilitation programs.
“Since November 2023, I have attended many instrumental meetings and public hearings, as well visited watch houses and detention centres across parts of regional Queensland, in my role as chair of the Youth Justice Reform Committee. This has provided vital insights for our Inquiry, especially in relation to serious repeat offenders. Relocation sentencing is a positive start in addressing the very real gaps that currently exist.”
As one witness said at a public hearing, there is no one ‘silver bullet’, it will take silver ‘buckshot’ to reduce recidivism and its contributors of households impacted by alcoholism, domestic violence and mental illness, school absenteeism, lack of access to mental and physical health services, as well pathways to education and work when exiting detention.
“Consistent in submissions and hearings have been a number of issues including around sentencing options, funding for not for profits delivering programs, securing and retaining staff, as well that solutions need to be community led and place based. Our aim is to have an interim report and recommendations completed by the end of March,” Sandy said.
More information on the Youth Justice Select Committee, previous issues papers and submissions are available at parliament.qld.gov.au/youthjustice
The Queensland Government is seeking expressions of interest, which are open until 12 March, for organisations and individuals that can provide property or a program that includes education, employment, training or other support to deliver the relocation sentencing trial. Further information on this is available on Sandy’s website at SandyBolton.com/Noosa360
