Queensland law on jail time excludes community groups from hearing
Queensland's social services body says the government locked community groups out of a hearing on a new jail law.
Queensland's social services body accused the government of making laws in an 'echo chamber'. The LNP policy would jail adults and children for 12 months if they commit serious crimes while on bail.
A parliamentary committee examined the bill on Friday but did not ask the Queensland Council of Social Services or other community groups for evidence. CEO Aimee McVeigh said their voices matter because they work with vulnerable people.
The committee heard from experts in family, child and human rights issues. They raised concerns the policy would not cut crime long-term.
The human rights commissioner said evidence shows behaviour change needs early help and rehabilitation, not just punishment.
- 12 months imprisonment
- Mandatory sentence
- Aimee McVeigh
- QCOSS CEO
Why it mattersCommunity groups say they were locked out of the law debate. They work with vulnerable people and say their voices matter for good policy.
AustraliaQueensland residents and vulnerable families could be affected by a significant new jail policy made without input from frontline community organisations.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 d ago
