Queensland's youth justice system faces heightened pressure due to new laws that increase penalties for child offenders, potentially worsening overcrowding in an already strained system.
Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged the short-term challenges that will arise from the new youth justice laws, admitting that the state has faced overcrowding issues long before the law changes.
The 'making Queensland safer' bill designates 13 offenses as adult crimes for children aged 10 and above, leading to adult-equivalent sentencing, including life sentences for murder.
Despite backing from all Labor MPs and a select few independents, the laws have been criticized for contradicting human rights standards and disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
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