The Queensland Government has announced a significant expansion of its Adult Crime, Adult Time initiative, with over a dozen new offences set to be added to the list of crimes carrying adult-level penalties for youth offenders.
Dylan Anderson
This latest move—part of the Making Queensland Safer legislative program—was introduced in Parliament this week and follows through on a key election commitment from the Crisafulli Government. The changes are based on expert recommendations and are designed to address what the government continues to label as Queensland’s "Youth Crime Crisis."
New Offences Added
The expanded list of offences includes:
- Rape
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated attempted robbery
- Torture
- Arson
These offences join an existing list under the Adult Crime, Adult Time laws, which seek to ensure that young offenders committing serious crimes face consequences equivalent to those of adults.
The expansion follows the advice of an Expert Legal Panel, established as part of the government’s strategy to review and recommend which offences should be included. The panel is expected to continue evaluating further crimes for inclusion.
Dylan Anderson
A Promise to Prioritise Victims
Premier David Crisafulli said the expansion was a direct continuation of the government’s plan to reverse what he described as a decade of leniency under previous governments:
“This delivers on our commitment to expand Adult Crime, Adult Time with additional offences, as recommended by the experts."
"This is the next stage, but it won’t be the last stage, we won’t rest until we arrest the Youth Crime Crisis."
"Victims must come first and Adult Crime, Adult Time is just one way we are shifting the focus back to supporting victims and driving down youth crime.”
Ensuring Sentences Reflect Community Standards
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington reinforced the government’s commitment to ensuring the justice system reflects the expectations of Queenslanders:
"The impact that Labor’s weak laws have had on communities is simply unforgiveable and every victim deserves to feel that justice has been served."
"There is no expiration date on our commitment to Queenslanders and we will keep working at this."
Dylan Anderson
Continued Legislative Momentum
Minister for Youth Justice Laura Gerber confirmed that further expansions were being considered:
"We are sending a clear message to youth offenders that this Government is delivering consequences for actions and we have a laser-like focus when it comes to crime."
"Labor’s weak laws created a Youth Crime Crisis and we’re committed to delivering the reform needed to turn the tide on youth crime in Queensland."
The Crisafulli Government says the reform reflects its broader goal to prioritise victim rights, restore community confidence, and strengthen public safety laws across Queensland.
With these new offences added, the government positions itself as continuing to deliver on its promises heading into the latter half of the term—while signalling more changes may yet come.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
