MP launches petition for tougher youth crime laws after Newcastle attack
About 30 young people attacked a girl in Newcastle. An MP has now launched a petition for tougher youth crime laws.
About 30 young people, mostly teenage girls, chased and attacked a 14-year-old girl near Newcastle Beach on September 20. Two girls aged 11 and 13 were charged under the Young Offenders Act.
The incident was caught on mobile phone. The footage showed multiple attackers while others chanted and filmed.
Libertarian MP John Ruddick has launched a petition calling for NSW to adopt Queensland's tougher approach. Queensland introduced adult crime, adult time laws.
It has seen an 8 per cent drop in youth crime. The petition seeks to remove age-based leniency for serious and violent offences, especially repeat offenders.
Ruddick said he is confident the petition will reach the required 20,000 signatures. This would trigger a Legislative Council debate.
NSW already requires 55 serious offences to go to higher courts. These offences carry adult maximum penalties.
Why it mattersThe severity of the attack has brought back debate about whether young offenders should face adult consequences. This affects how NSW's justice system handles youth violence.
AustraliaNSW law reform is directly under scrutiny following the incident; Queensland's results are being cited as evidence that tougher sentencing reduces youth crime rates.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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