How we got here

Youth crime,and crime more broadly,arelong-simmering issues in the state – elevated this year after a series ofhigh-profile incidents and political pressure.

In March,the governmentoverrode its own human rights laws tofurther tighten bail laws for young people in what legal groups described as a“race to the bottom” from major parties.

Focus on support for victims has also been elevated this year by victim groups,the non-government MPs andLabor’s Jonty Bush.

Why it matters

Experts and advocates have warned “tough” approaches on young people,including detention indedicated facilities and police watchhouses,will only drag more of them deeper into cycles of crime and ultimately harm community safety further.

Queensland is the worst jurisdiction in the country for detention centre capacity pressure,withtwo new “therapeutic” centres not expected to be built by 2026.

The watchhouse detention changes came amid dozens of pages of surprise amendments to an unrelated bill during Wednesday’s parliament sitting,angering both the LNP and Greens for bypassing standard scrutiny processes.

Crime concerns feature regularly in state election campaigns,with the next set to take place inOctober next year.

What they said

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday,Ben Cannon from the Voice for Victims group which marched on parliament said Palaszczuk needed to drive change.

While there had to be consequences for wrongdoing,he said more work was needed to ensure young people could turn their lives around or avoid being criminalised in the first place.

“We’re not political but if she doesn’t bring change,then we will find someone who will,” Cannon said.

During an afternoon press conference,Youth Justice Minister Farmer flagged the watchhouse change as a response to a recent Supreme Court decision to “ensure business as usual”.

“We remain committed to making sure that young people stay in our watch houses for as short a period as possible,” she said.