The Premier did not rule out introducing laws which violate the rights of children and young people, in response to Greens’ questioning in Parliament today. For a Premier who promised to lead a government with heart, it’s a disgusting new low.
The Premier was asked a simple question – to commit to not introducing laws which violate the rights of children and young people. His answer should have been equally as simple.
Yet Premier Rockliff would not rule out violating the rights of children and young people with new laws. It’s sickening.
One of the central focusses of the Commission of Inquiry was the human rights of children and young people. Instead of protecting these rights, the Liberals are talking about cracking down on youth crime and implementing “Adult Crime, Adult Time” laws.
Experts and community advocates have raised concerns that there is no evidence that punitive responses achieve any reduction in youth crime. Instead, they violate the fundamental human rights of children and young people.
“Tough on crime” is in total contradiction to the Commission of Inquiry recommendations the Liberal Government committed to. If the Rockliff Government really wanted to reduce crime, they’d be investing in support for at-risk youth and implementing therapeutic approaches to justice, not advocating for damaging new laws.
The Liberals must protect the rights of children and young people, ditch their tough on crime laws and recommit to the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry.
