The arm of the United Nations tasked with monitoring the rights of children has spoken out against the LNP’s proposed youth crime laws, calling it a “flagrant disregard for children’s rights under international law”.
In a video released on Saturday, United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child chair Ann Skelton expressed “dismay at the proposed changes to the law for child offenders, that the Making Queensland Safer Bill will bring about”.
“It is extraordinary to read that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, while supporting the bill, admits that several of the provisions are a violation of international law including several articles of the Convention on the rights of the child,” Skelton said.
Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has admitted the LNP’s proposed youth crime laws are incompatible with current international standards for the treatment of children engaged with the justice system, as well as human rights laws. Credit: Matt Dennien
“We do not agree that the so-called exceptional circumstances warrant what will be a flagrant disregard for children’s rights under international law.
“We also don’t agree that it will make Queensland safer.”
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The LNP’s election campaign hinged on tougher penalties for young offenders, with Premier David Crisafulli promising to introduce ‘adult time for adult crime’ if elected.
On Thursday, the LNP wasted no time introducing the legislation into Queensland parliament as a matter of priority during the first sitting week.
The proposed bill will boost maximum sentences for kids who commit a range of crimes, ensure detention is no longer considered a last resort in sentencing those aged under 17, significantly boost the openness of the Children’s Court, and expand what can be included in a child’s criminal record while allowing it to carry with them into adulthood.