Young offenders are walking away with consequences that don’t reflect community expectations, former Glenorchy mayor and current Elwick MLC Bec Thomas says.
Thomas, who now sits as an independent in the upper house, says it is time for a full review of youth justice sentencing and diversion programs across Tasmania.
She said past attempts to raise the issue with Premier Jeremy Rockliff resulted in an unsatisfactory response that failed to address her specific recommendations.
“On April 17 I wrote to the Premier and spoke to the Ministers for Police, Youth and Justice urging them to act to keep people safe now and to address the causes of these crimes, long-term,” she said.
“The Premier’s reply, one month later, simply told me what the government is already doing in this space, which clearly isn’t enough.”
Extra police have been sent to Glenorchy following a spate of recent incidents, which Thomas says is welcome but not enough.
“I proposed urgent legislative changes be explored and whilst the Premier has publicly said ‘nothing is off the table’, he hasn’t mentioned what is on the table, apart from adult time for adult crime and I think Tasmanians deserve better than this,” she said.
“I am hearing concerns that deficiencies in youth bail laws are contributing to repeat offending. I am hearing concerns that ban notices are not effective.”
“I am hearing concerns that access to knives is a problem. So, let’s explore legislative change in these areas.”
“I also suggested a review of youth justice sentencing and diversion programs, because people are telling me the consequences handed down for youth crimes are not meeting community expectations.”
“We’re not talking punishment, but consequences. But no response from the Premier on this.”
Under Tasmania’s Youth Justice Act 1997, courts cases involving young people are closed and cannot be reported on, leaving the public in the dark about what consequences are actually being handed down.
Tasmania Police this week confirmed that just 57 individuals were responsible for 50% of all youth crime charges in the state last year.
“Our community is fed up and rightly so,” Thomas said. “The physical, psychological and economic damage youth crime and violence causes is totally unfair and unacceptable.”
“We need a plan that is not tough or soft on crime, but smart on crime and we need it yesterday.”
Thomas said more investment is needed in early intervention, evidence-based programs and a dedicated space for young people in Glenorchy.
“Young people tell us what they want and need are safe places to go and trusted adults to talk to,” she said.
“The main purpose of government is to provide essential services, ensure the well-being of its citizens and maintain order and security within society.”
“The government must down tools, develop and rapidly implement a multi-pronged plan to keep people safe. Right now. They must address the causes of crime to prevent this scourge continuing through future generations.”
“Following many discussions with community members and key stakeholders over the past few years, including in the past few weeks, I have a ten-point plan drafted and ready to share if the government is willing to listen.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Simon Behrakis said the government is already working on improvements in the youth justice space.
“We will not let Tasmania become like Victoria or Queensland,” he said.
“All options are on the table, including toughening bail and sentencing laws, as well as more diversion options.”
“This isn’t going to be an issue that is fixed overnight, but we have started immediately because Tasmanians want action and that’s what we’ll deliver.”
