“When it comes to Youth Justice, we have a national responsibility to raise the National Minimum Standards. The Interim Report on Youth Justice and Incarceration released last week highlights the urgent need for national reform, reinforcing what research has long shown: punitive approaches don’t work, but early intervention, diversion, and support do.
Every child and young person has the right to be protected by our laws and systems. No matter where they live in Australia.
We need leadership from all sides of politics to drive upstream solutions that address the root causes of youth justice involvement—poverty, trauma, discrimination, and lack of early support.
National Minimum Standards, led by the next federal parliament, are critical to ensuring every young person receives fair and consistent treatment, no matter where they live. This means raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, expanding prevention and rehabilitation programs, and embedding a national framework that prioritises support over punishment.
This is a pivotal moment. The evidence is clear, and the opportunity for real change is here. With strong national leadership, we can break cycles of disadvantage and build a justice system that genuinely supports young people’s development and future success.”
Prue Warrilow, ARACY CEO
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