Where is the critical Youth Justice legislation?

In a call for transparency and public involvement, the opposition has demanded that the Palaszczuk Government reveal its plans for the Youth Justice legislation in Queensland. The government has been talking about its proposals since December, but the specifics have remained under wraps, causing concerns among the public.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli spoke out about the importance of giving Queenslanders a chance to see the proposed changes and provide feedback before Parliament resumes later this month.

“Queenslanders deserve to see the legislation before the government rushes it through Parliament,” he said. “It is not a tough request to release the laws ahead of Parliament so that Queenslanders can see the changes and have their say,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Crisafulli pointed out the current crisis of youth crime in the state and expressed his belief that the only way to solve the issue is to get the laws right.

“I’ve been listening to Queenslanders and they have ideas on how to tackle youth crime, they deserve to have their say,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie, who stated that the only plausible reason for the Government’s reluctance to reveal the legislation was that it wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny.

“If the Premier doesn’t release the changes to the Youth Justice Act, it will be abundantly clear she doesn’t even back her own laws or the Government hasn’t finished writing them.

“How embarrassing for the Premier that these changes need to be kept under wraps because her government is worried they’re weak and won’t solve youth crime in Queensland, ” Mr Bleijie said

In addition to transparency, the opposition is also calling for legislation to address the issue of reoffending. According to new data, approximately one in three youth offenders are reoffending while on bail. Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts is echoing the calls for breach of bail to be reinstated as an offence. He believes that the judiciary needs the government to strengthen the legislation and create consequences for actions.

“We need to make sure the next generation doesn’t follow the examples they see and help the next generation be a part of our community, not against it.”

“The youth of Queensland deserve a chance to grow and develop into responsible members of society, and it is the responsibility of the government to provide a supportive and fair environment for that to happen,” Mr Watts said.

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