Dirty dozen list boosts ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws
Robyn Wuth |
More offences have been added to a state’s controversial “adult crime, adult time” laws under a sweeping bill that also gives police new powers.
A further 12 serious offences have been included in the Queensland government’s latest reforms, taking the total number to 45.
The changes that put “victims at the heart” of the justice system were on Thursday pushed through Queensland parliament following a fiery debate.
It is the third expansion of the “adult crime, adult time” reforms since the Liberal National government came to power in late 2024.
“We are resolutely and unapologetically on the side of victims, because victims are at the heart of everything we do,” Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber told parliament.
Under the LNP government there had been a 27 per cent drop in the number of “adult crime, adult time” offences, the minister had earlier told parliament.
Some of the added new offences are rare, with the bill’s parliamentary inquiry revealing two of them – aiding suicide and stupefying (drugging) to commit an indictable offence – had not been committed by a child in the past decade.
Ms Gerber argued it would be “flawed logic” to wait until such crimes become more prevalent before imposing tougher consequences.
Among the dozen offences include riot, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, conspiring to murder and unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment or abuse.
A major plank of the bill gives police stronger powers to respond to disorder, threats and violence in designated business and community precincts including shopping centres.
The legislation also dismantles what the government repeatedly branded Labor’s “soft on drugs” three‑strike policy, replacing it with a new illicit drug enforcement and diversion framework.
Under’s Labor’s three strike policy, a first-time offender would be warned, while second and third-time perpetrators would be offered a place in a diversionary program.
Ms Gerber said frontline police had been left “frustrated, disillusioned, embarrassed and disempowered” by having to give known offenders repeated verbal warnings for possessing illicit drugs.
“You cannot be tough on crime while you’re soft on drugs,” the minister said.
Under LNP reforms first-time offenders can be referred to drug diversion but repeat perpetrators face on-the-spot fines or charges.
Ditching Labor’s policy was short-sighted and a blow to mental and preventive health, the Australian Medical Association Queensland said.
“Treating these people as criminals instead of patients will not reduce drug use in our community,” AMA Queensland president Nick Yim said.
The AMA was not called before the parliamentary inquiry into the program, despite lodging a written submission and making a request to the committee, he said.
“Timely intervention helps prevent other consequential issues, including dementia, cognitive decline, seizures and chronic liver disease,” Dr Yim said.
“We maintain illegal drug use should be treated as a health issue that needs compassionate and appropriate treatment.”
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
AAP