Harsh sentences unveiled for youth criminals

Tough youth justice laws are set to be introduced to Queensland parliament as the Liberal National Party vows to crack down on crime.

Nov 28, 2024, updated Nov 28, 2024
The LNP is vowing to push through its "adult time, adult crime" laws before Christmas. Photo: Darren England/AAP
The LNP is vowing to push through its "adult time, adult crime" laws before Christmas. Photo: Darren England/AAP

Harsh maximum sentences have been unveiled under controversial youth crime laws a state government plans to make a reality within a matter of weeks.

“Adult time, adult crime” legislation will be the introduced to Queensland parliament on Thursday in what looms as a marathon sitting.

The Liberal National Party have hit the ground running since winning the October 26 election after campaigning hard on youth crime.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie accused Labor of revoking its support for youth crime laws. Photo: Darren England/AAP

The Queensland government is set to show no sign of slowing down when parliament sits, vowing to push through the “adult time” laws.

It will ensure serious juvenile offenders face harsher sentences if they commit a serious crime including murder, manslaughter, unlawful wounding, aggravated break and enter and stealing a car.

Maximum sentences for murder and manslaughter will change from 10 years to a mandatory life sentence.

Several other penalties are set to double including grievous bodily harm and robbery increasing to 14 years, serious assault and wounding to seven.

Stealing a car currently holds a maximum sentence of one to five years but is set to become 10 years.

The Making Queensland Safer laws also feature early intervention and rehabilitation initiatives.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the government is aiming for the laws to be passed and assented to before Christmas.

He accused Labor of revoking its support for youth crime laws, concerned the opposition would not support the legislation despite the LNP holding the majority.

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“(Leader) Steven Miles said that he would let it go through the parliament because there is a mandate for the new government to deliver those laws,” Bleijie said.

However, experts will have just 12 days including weekends to scrutinise the youth crime laws before the next parliament sitting.

Bleijie also promised Thursday would be jam-packed with the government wanting to get to work on their election promises.

“They’re ready to get down to business, particularly the government members who are part of a fresh team for a fresh start for Queensland,” Bleijie said.

Governor Jeannette Young officially opened Queensland Parliament on Wednesday. Photo: Jason O’BRIEN/AAP

The government flagged there would be the introduction of at least two other bills on Thursday, leading into a late-night sitting.

It is understood the other two bills will be reintroducing a productivity commission and the 2032 Olympics Independent Infrastructure Delivery Authority which will have 100 days to come up with the best venue plan.

The first sitting day on Thursday will also mark a maiden speech to parliament for 24 newly elected MPs.

All 93 MPs were sworn in on Tuesday for Queensland’s 58th parliament.

Member for Condamine Pat Weir has been elected as Speaker.

Governor Jeannette Young formally opened the parliament on Wednesday after a 19-gun salute.

“I encourage all members to take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of what you have achieved and what lies ahead as you serve your community and the state,” she said, delivering a speech on behalf of Premier David Crisafulli.

“It is a great honour and privilege to serve the people of Queensland, a great trust has been placed in you to consider the matters which will affect the present and future wellbeing of all Queenslanders.”

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