Ms ROSOL question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
Last week you announced your government would pursue adult crime, adult time for children who engage in criminal behaviour in response to community concern. Professor Rob White, the Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS) and other organisations criticised your announcement and pointed to the complete lack of evidence that punitive responses achieve any reduction in youth crime. On top of this, adult crime, adult time stands in total contradiction of the commission of inquiry recommendations your government committed to and are a violation of the rights of children and young people.
In your effort to look like a tough guy, you are walking away from the government’s commitment to implementing the commission of inquiry recommendations. Will you step back from tough on crime, follow the evidence, be serious about implementing the commission of inquiry’s recommendations, and invest in services for children and families that are proven to reduce youth crime?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I point to my previous answer. There was and still is a lot of fear in the community about youth crime. People do not feel safe. Therefore, I make no apologies for saying that we will look around the country to find the best policies –
Ms Rosol – Hopefully what works.
The SPEAKER – Member for Bass.
Mr ROCKLIFF – that work. As I understand it, there is evidence that recent Queensland policies are working. We have introduced knife crime legislation in to this place, ‘post and boast’ into this place as well, which is also causing concern in terms of those activities in the community. It is our job as a government to respond to community concerns and keep people safe –
Ms Rosol – And implement evidenced-based actions.
The SPEAKER – Member for Bass.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I respect your views on diversion programs because it is an important part of what is a very complex policy response to youth crime concerns in the community. We need to ensure that the community is kept safe and we need to invest in programs that ensure our young people have every opportunity to be productive members of our community and good citizens for our community. We cannot give up on any one individual. We will support individuals to be better citizens. That may well be a policy response about bail and other matters – which why would we not investigate? The important thing is that there is investing in areas such as [inaudible 10.59.08 a.m.], which I understand starts up this week.
Mr Jaensch – This week.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Thank you, Mr Jaensch. That and other areas as well.
Our youth justice model of care is the first in Australia that applies to a whole youth justice service system, outlining a collaborative approach to services across government and our community service providers and Aboriginal organisations, working together in children and young people’s best interest. I thank the minister, Mr Jaensch, for leading that reform because it provides a consistent, coordinated policy approach to delivering trauma-informed, evidence based – to your question, and culturally safe services to children and young people in contact with, or at risk of coming into contact with the youth justice system, and their families across Tasmania. It will guide agencies and community service providers in the development and implementation of youth justice policies, programs and services. I have some more information here but time is –
The SPEAKER – The Premier’s time for answering the question has expired.
