The state government says it is delivering on its election promise to make the Sunshine Coast safer with the implementation of a new law enabling courts to impose GPS devices on youths as young as 10 years as a bail condition.
The Youth Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Amendment Bill 2025 means courts across the state and across the region can impose a GPS device as a bail condition for any youth offender aged 10-17, including first-time offenders.
The government says electronic monitoring devices have been found to reduce the likelihood of reoffending by 24 percent and this Bill will delivers some of the strongest youth bail monitoring laws in the country.
Minister for Youth Justice Laura Gerber said strong youth bail monitoring laws were part of the Crisafulli Government’s plan to deliver safety where you live and reduce victim numbers.
“By putting more GPS trackers on youth offenders on bail, alongside intensive support services, we will reduce reoffending, have fewer victims of crime and safer communities,” Minister Gerber said.
Member Nicklin Marty Hunt said these laws meant more youth offenders on bail could be tracked 24/7, to provide the community with greater protection.
“Electronic monitoring is not an alternative to detention, youth offenders who should be in detention will be, but when a youth is released on bail, these laws mean they can be monitored 24/7,” Mr Hunt said.
