Responding to the launch of the Queensland LNP’s “tough on crime” youth justice platform, Amnesty International Australia campaigner Joel Clark said:
“The proposal from the LNP for a three-strikes mandatory detention approach to youth justice is completely contrary to all the evidence that shows locking kids up simply does not work.
“Sadly, the Queensland opposition have completely missed an opportunity to get smart on crime by listening to the experts and assessing the evidence that shows diversion programs are the best possible solution to youth crime.
Sadly, the Queensland opposition have completely missed an opportunity to get smart on crime by listening to the experts and assessing the evidence that shows diversion programs are the best possible solution to youth crime.
Amnesty International Australia campaigner, Joel Clark.
“Keeping kids out of jail is better on government purse strings, it’s more effective in reducing crime and recidivism, and most important of all, it’s better for the kids who find themselves in the quicksand of the youth justice system – many as young as 10.
“Queensland has a real opportunity to lead the way in raising the age of criminal responsibility and investing in Indigenous-led programs that work, and which we have the evidence to prove they work.”
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The role of the government is to protect children – any government adopting this approach to youth justice would be a dereliction of duty because we know putting kids in jail causes them enormous harm.”
