All children should be able to grow up in safe, nurturing communities. However, despite overwhelming evidence of harm, a wave of punitive laws and policies across the country means some children are spending more time in cells than in homes, schools, or community settings.
The Australian Government must ensure youth justice systems across all jurisdictions uphold human rights, promote consistent standards, and invest in the underlying drivers of disadvantage. Improving outcomes will only be possible through sustained, targeted investment in systems and services that address root causes – not through ever-harsher punishments that fail to make our communities safer.
This paper calls for:
▪ All governments to raise the age of criminal responsibility to fourteen;
▪ Ensure detention is used only as a last resort;
▪ Fund prevention and early intervention services; and
▪ Support First Nations-led solutions to help children who need it.