Boot camp law a first in Australia

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has today introduced landmark changes to the Youth Justice Act in Queensland so offenders can be sentenced to youth boot camps from early next year.

Mr Bleijie said the amendments would mean for the first time in Australia a provision for youth boot camps would be included in state law.

“The Newman Government promised to bring a fresh approach to youth justice after years of neglect by the Labor party and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Given the escalating youth crime rates we are experiencing across Queensland it is clear what has been happening for the past decade hasn’t been working.

“Our $2 million boot camp trial aims to stop the cycle of youth crime and give offenders an opportunity to make positive choices and turn their lives around.

“The trial will include a sentenced youth boot camp in Cairns and an early intervention youth boot camp on the Gold Coast.

“The changes to the Youth Justice Act will only apply to the Cairns boot camp, so there is a provision in the Act allowing magistrates to offer this sentencing option.

“The early-intervention program on the Gold Coast will target high-risk kids who have been referred by police, schools and the health system so no legislative changes are needed.”

Mr Bleijie said the boot camp program would be designed to meet the individual needs of each young offender.

“Young offenders will spend a month in a boot camp centre, which will include physical training, health and substance abuse programs,” he said.

“They will then spend between two and five months, under strict supervision in the community and participate in activities with their family.

“This is a really important part of the boot camp as it will help to address difficulties within the family that may be contributing to the child’s offending.

“The boot camps together with our other proposed changes to the Act such as naming and shaming laws will hold young people accountable and make Queensland a safer place.”

Mr Bleijie added the tender process for the boot camps had closed and said the Government hoped to make an announcement on the successful bidders in the coming weeks.

Media contact: Lisa O’Donnell 0400 986 432 or Matt Johnston 0432 535 893