Queensland proposes mandatory jail terms for youths who breach bail

Queensland's government is set to introduce a mandatory minimum custodial sentence for youth offenders who breach bail, a move Premier David Crisafulli described as the most significant bail reform in the state's history and potentially applicable to adults in the future. Laura Gerber, the minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, said the change would create a new offence for bail breaches involving crimes listed under the ACAT legislation.

While she noted a 29% decline in serious repeat offenders since ACAT's introduction, she also pointed out that a large share of serious repeat youth offenders continue to commit offences while on bail. The reforms have been welcomed by victims' families, such as Cindy Micallef, who lost her mother to a teen who was out on bail. However, correctional unions, represented by Michael Thomas of Together Union, warned that the influx of prisoners could force triple-up cell arrangements, endangering staff and inmates. Queensland Corrective Services has already added 1,400 beds, but officials acknowledge further capacity challenges ahead.