MEDIA STATEMENT: Making Queensland Safer Laws: Expert Legal Panel appointed 

The appointment of the Panel is another important step towards bringing back consequences for actions and holding youth criminals accountable for their crimes.  

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government will continue to use every avenue to strengthen Labor’s watered down youth crime laws and restore community safety.  

“Before the election, we promised Queenslanders an Expert Legal Panel would be established to review additional offences for inclusion in Adult Crime, Adult Time as part of the second tranche of Making Queensland Safer Laws,” Minister Gerber said.  

“The panel members are all highly skilled and experienced professionals in the areas of legal practice, law enforcement, victim support and public policy.  

“I am confident they will draw on their expertise to provide sound advice to the Government.  

“After a decade of Labor, youth crime has spiraled out of control and that’s why we have already begun work to clean up Labor’s mess, by reforming youth crime laws and starting the tender process for two early intervention and rehabilitation programs.  

“While it’s impossible to eliminate all crime, the rights of victims must always come before the rights of offenders, and we must restore community safety and have fewer victims in Queensland.”  

Panel chair April Freeman KC said she is eager to start getting to work to consider the second tranche of the laws.  

“The Expert Legal Panel has been tasked with considering important changes to the Youth Justice Act and to provide independent advice to the Government to assist navigation of these complex laws,” Ms Freeman said.  

“I am looking forward to meeting my fellow panel members and to start getting to work as soon as possible.”    

ENDS  

MEDIA CONTACT: Phoebe Powell 0419 625 794  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

Ms. April Freeman KC has worked as a barrister for more than 20 years and was appointed to King’s Council in November 2024. Ms. Freeman's expertise spans criminal, administrative, employment, and public law, and she has prosecuted on behalf of several government bodies. Ms. Freeman also has significant experience in commissions of inquiry, and inquests.    

Ms. Lyndy (Lyndal) Atkinson is a founding member of victims’ advocacy group, Voice for Victims. Ms Atkinson has significant experience working with victims of crime, ensuring they have access to support services and are assisted through the justice process.   

Mr. Douglas Wilson is a barrister with 17 years of experience in the criminal justice system, both defending and prosecuting youth and adult offenders. He has predominantly worked on serious criminal trials and appeals, and he has recently served as lead Counsel in high-profile Supreme Court trials in Queensland. Mr Wilson has also worked as a police officer and investigator with the Queensland Police Service.  

Mr. Robert Weir is a former Detective Superintendent Regional Crime Coordinator for the Central and North Coast, who served in the Queensland Police Service for more than 43 years. Mr Weir has extensive law enforcement experience and has led the charge on a number of multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional tactical responses to high-risk incidents and events across Queensland.   

Mr. Randal Ross is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elder and cultural and communications manager in Townsville. He is a former CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service and has significant experience delivering cultural programs for at-risk youth, including at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre.