‘Shifting the crime scene’: Union warns of lack of detail in new bail-breach laws

The Queensland government’s latest attempt to crack down on youth crime has raised more questions than answers. The proposed bail-breach laws, which would imprison children who commit “adult time, adult crime” offences while on bail, have been met with skepticism by union representatives and experts.

Critics argue that the new laws fail to address the root causes of the problem and risk exacerbating existing issues within the detention system. The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has warned that the laws could lead to overcrowding and staff burnout in detention centres, as well as increased physical and psychological pressures on workers.

The lack of detail surrounding the proposed laws is alarming. Premier David Crisafulli has admitted that the period of mandatory imprisonment has not yet been decided and will be shaped by community consultation. This raises questions about how the state plans to avoid overcrowding in already-strained detention centres. The AWU’s Queensland secretary, Stacey Schinnerl, points out that tougher laws alone are not a solution if the government fails to adequately resource the system.

Crisafulli claims he has “already listened to Queenslanders” through community feedback delivered by local MPs, but this rings hollow. What it means is that the government has been listening to the loudest voices in the room rather than engaging in meaningful consultation with experts and stakeholders. The result is a policy that prioritizes punitive measures over preventative ones.

Historically, Queensland’s approach to youth justice has relied heavily on incarceration. This approach fails to address underlying causes of delinquency and perpetuates a cycle of poverty and disadvantage. By imposing mandatory minimum sentences, the government shifts the crime scene from the streets to detention centres, as Schinnerl so aptly put it.

The AWU’s concerns about staff safety and well-being are particularly noteworthy. Detention centre workers already face significant challenges in managing their caseloads, and increased numbers will only exacerbate these pressures. The government must invest in the workforce, facilities, and support systems needed to safely manage the consequences of its policy decisions.

Relying on punitive measures has been touted as a solution to youth crime, but policymakers should focus on early intervention and rehabilitation programs that address root causes of delinquency. This requires a more nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding youth crime rather than simply shifting blame onto individual children.

As the government sets up a committee to review the proposed laws, it’s essential they take heed of the AWU’s warnings. The consequences of inaction or inadequate resource allocation will be severe and could ultimately undermine the effectiveness of any policy aimed at addressing youth crime.

The success of these new laws will depend on the government’s willingness to listen to expert advice and invest in a system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Anything less would be a recipe for disaster – one that Queensland’s children, families, and detention centre workers cannot afford to tolerate.