The Liberals have unveiled plans to toughen Tasmania’s youth justice laws and introduce new preventative measures if returned to power in the upcoming election.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a dual approach focusing on both crime prevention and stronger consequences for repeat offenders.
“Community safety must come first, and we won’t be letting a small portion of criminals take hold in our State, as it has in others,” Rockliff said.
The plan includes making breach of bail an offence for young people and implementing a bail test prioritising community safety.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said current bail laws are letting down police officers.
“Our Police do an amazing job every single day, but they’re often let down by weak bail laws allowing serious repeat young offenders to continue their crime sprees,” Ellis said.
The Liberals will also ban the sale of certain knives and edged weapons to those under 18 without a legitimate reason, building on recently introduced “Reid’s Law” which permits police to use metal detection wands.
Despite describing Tasmania as “one of the safest places in the world,” the Liberals acknowledged concerning increases in youth crime rates.
The Liberals’ strategy includes expanding diversionary programs such as JCP Youth, creating a statewide Divert and Connect program, and establishing a youth hub in Glenorchy.
“We will continue to focus our efforts on diverting young people from the youth justice system and stopping them from offending in the first place,” Rockliff said.
The government also plans to update the Youth Justice Act to add diversion options, revise sentencing provisions, and clarify the application of doli incapax – the principle that children under a certain age lack criminal responsibility.
A $3 million assisted bail program is in development, which would include transition support from detention and accommodation options.
Labor last month launched its push to address growing public safety concerns across Tasmania, with a strong focus on youth crime and safety on public transport.
The plan includes a ban on knife sales to anyone under 18, boosted police patrols in youth crime hotspots and a new stand-alone youth court to fast-track cases involving young offenders.
The policy also targets public transport, with plans to finish installing safety screens for Metro bus drivers and introduce dedicated safety officers with the authority to detain offenders.
