Queensland passes mandatory jail time for repeat offenders on bail
Queensland parliament passed laws requiring 12-month jail terms. Repeat offenders must serve this time when they commit serious crimes while on bail.
Queensland tightened bail laws Thursday night. Repeat offenders must now serve at least 12 months in jail when they commit serious crimes while on bail.
The laws cover young offenders who commit adult crimes and child sexual offences. Police Minister Dan Purdie supported the new laws.
He said repeat offenders can no longer ignore court orders. The law honours Daniel Morcombe, murdered in 2003 at age 13.
His parents spent a decade pushing for stronger child protection laws. Youth advocates warn the rules will push more children into detention.
This may worsen reoffending. Queensland's detention centres are overcrowded.
Housing a child for a year costs $1 million.
- $1 million per child per year
- Annual detention cost
- Queensland parliament, Thursday night
- Passage timing
Why it mattersThis shifts the balance toward punishment over diversion for young offenders. It could change how the youth justice system works.
AustraliaQueensland youth detention facilities face capacity pressure, and young offenders in the state face tougher sentences for bail breaches.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
