In a move that has sparked both applause and skepticism, the Queensland government touts fresh data suggesting their “adult crime, adult time” legislation is making a tangible difference. Yet, critics question whether these early numbers tell the full story, raising concerns over the rush to celebrate success.
Passed in December, the Making Queensland Safer laws have redefined justice for young offenders, applying adult penalties to juveniles convicted of severe crimes like murder, serious assault, and break-ins. The government’s latest figures reveal a striking 32 percent decline in related court cases during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year—a statistic that’s hard to ignore.
However, not everyone is convinced this drop can be directly attributed to the new laws. Dr. Terry Goldsworthy, an associate professor at Bond University, cautions against jumping to conclusions. “While the decrease is encouraging, it’s simply too soon to draw any definitive links,” he asserts. “You’d need at least 12 months of consistent data under these laws before claiming they’re truly effective—or not.”
Interestingly, Goldsworthy points out that a downward trend in youth offending had already been underway since early the previous year. The latest crime report indicates a 7.5 percent reduction in youth offender rates for 2023-24, suggesting that broader factors may be at play beyond legislative changes.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the story of Queensland’s crime landscape is still unfolding, and the true impact of these bold laws will take time—and patience—to fully understand.
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