- The Premier has introduced the Making Queensland Safer Bill to the Queensland Parliament today, delivering on a key commitment for the first 100 days.
- 13 Offences to be subject to Adult Crime, Adult Time, under first tranche of laws including mandatory life detention for murder, with a non-parole period of 20 years.
- Bill will also remove Detention as a Last Resort, put victims’ rights ahead of offenders’ rights and see youth offenders’ full criminal history considered in sentencing.
- Bill set to be considered by Committee before being debated by Parliament in December and in place before the end of 2024 to make the Lockyer safer.
The Crisafulli Government has taken the first step to restoring community safety and legislating Adult Crime, Adult Time with the introduction of the landmark Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024 to Parliament today.
The Making Queensland Safer Laws deliver on a key commitment to Queenslanders to restore community safety and turn the tide on the Youth Crime Crisis the Lockyer.
Under the laws, juvenile offenders who commit some of the most serious crimes will face the same penalties as adult offenders and the rights of victims will be put ahead of the rights of offenders.
Under the proposed laws, the Youth Justice Act 1992 would be amended so young offenders committing particular crimes would be subject to the same penalties as adults.
The tough provisions contained in the Bill complement plans for Gold Standard Early Intervention, crime prevention and effective rehabilitation to ensure fewer Queenslanders fall victim to crime.
Adult Crime, Adult Time offences include:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Unlawful striking causing death
- Grievous bodily harm
- Wounding
- Serious assault
- Home and business break-ins and robbery
- Dangerous operation of vehicles.
The principle of detention as a last resort would also be removed from the Act to prioritise community safety.
The Making Queensland Safer laws also make changes to how offenders are sentenced.
Courts will be empowered to consider an offender’s full criminal history when sentencing, making their criminal history as a juvenile available to the court when they are sentenced as an adult for a five-year period.
Consideration of victims will be prioritised during sentencing, raising the rights of victims ahead of the rights of offenders.
The Bill also includes measures to fully open the Childrens Court for victims and the media.
Member for Lockyer said he was proud to be part of a Government that was prioritising the region’s safety.
“Throughout the election campaign, I heard too many stories from residents who have been living in fear in their homes and workplaces because of the youth crime crisis,“ Mr McDonald said.
“By delivering the Making Queensland Safer laws, serious young offenders will be held accountable for their actions, and our courts will have greater ability to impose sentences that keep them off our streets.
“The Crisafulli Government has made safety its number one priority and these new laws are the action we need to restore community safety and confidence across the Lockyer region.”