Youth crims’ full history consideration in poll pledge
Judges will be able to consider the full criminal history of young offenders, under an election proposal by Queensland’s Liberal National Party.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has announced a plan to “unshackle” the courts by introducing laws allowing the consideration of youth offenders’ full criminal history when sentencing.
These include police cautions, restorative justice agreements and breaches of supervised release orders.
Childhood criminal behaviour will also be admissible during sentencing as an adult, as part of the LNP’s Making Queensland Safer Laws.
The LNP has pledged to roll out these laws before Christmas if elected at the October 26 poll.
The LNP which has been in opposition for nine years, maintains a steady lead in the polls just over a month before election day.
“We have to make sure that all of the facts are given to the magistrate so that an appropriate penalty can be given,” Mr Crisafulli said on Tuesday.
“Current circumstances allow for young criminals to have a rap sheet “a mile long and then the clock starts again when they turn 18”, he added.
Other parts of the LNP’s community safety plan include adult sentences for crimes committed by youths, removing breach of bail from law and opening dedicated deterrence schools for juveniles.
Premier Steven Miles hit back at the LNP, saying its proposal is another initiative that views crime as an opportunity for politicking.
He queried why the LNP didn’t add the amendments to a recent crime bill debated in parliament.
“If this was about community safety then they would have put this forward when they had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago,” Mr Miles told reporters.
“Instead, they’re announcing it just prior to an election campaign because they see crime as a way to win votes. That’s not my words, that’s what their police spokesperson said.”
Mr Miles said the government’s community safety plan was showing progress and was backed by police data.
“Now is not the time to change away from the plan that we know is working just because David Crisafulli sees it as his way to win the election.”
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