Committee urges evidence-based overhaul of Australia’s youth justice amid political hype

The Senate standing committee on legal and constitutional affairs delivered its final findings on Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system, stressing that policy should be guided by real evidence rather than political frenzy. Greens justice spokesman David Shoebridge said the data shows a decline in youth prosecutions, contradicting media narratives. Justice Reform initiative director Mindy Sotiri echoed the call for a clear-eyed, evidence-based approach.

Recommendations include national minimum standards, a child and community safety task force led by the attorney-general, and a review of the criminal responsibility age, following the ACT’s recent raise to 14. The report also highlights that Indigenous children, who make up 6.6% of the population, account for 60% of those detained, underscoring systemic inequities.