Help children, not punish them: commissioner on reforming Queensland Bill that threatens children’s human rights.
The National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds, has urged the Australian Government to defend the human rights of children in response to Queensland’s controversial “Making Queensland Safer Bill.”
The bill, currently being debated, has drawn criticism for its harsh measures towards young offenders, including the possibility of sentencing children as young as 10 to life imprisonment.
“This Bill has been widely condemned, including by the United Nations, for its disregard for children’s human rights and international law,” said Ms Hollonds. “Targeting vulnerable children in this way is a shocking retreat from our obligations.”
The Commissioner highlighted the potential international implications of the bill: “This is an embarrassment for Australia on the world stage, signalling a failure to uphold basic human rights for our most vulnerable children.”
The bill proposes measures that contradict Australia’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These include:
- Sentencing children as young as 10 as adults
- Mandatory life sentences for some child offenders
- Removing “detention as a last resort” as a principle for sentencing child offenders
Ms Hollonds emphasized the disadvantaged backgrounds of many children in the justice system: “These children often face complex challenges like disabilities, learning difficulties, and trauma. Many lack basic necessities like secure housing and food.”
“The proposed measures are not based on evidence for preventing youth crime,” she continued. “Research shows early contact with the justice system increases the likelihood of future offending.”
The Commissioner urged the Australian Government to prioritize child well-being: “The Prime Minister has promised to ‘leave no-one behind,’ but far too many children are already left behind. Unlike other critical issues, child well-being is not a priority for the National Cabinet. This lack of accountability has consequences.”
Ms Hollonds concluded by calling for a united front across all levels of government: “At this critical time, all governments must stand up for the human rights of Australian children, including the Australian Government.”
For more information, you can view a video by Ms Hollonds about the bill and her landmark report, “‘Help Way Earlier!’ How Australia Can Transform Child Justice and Improve Safety and Wellbeing.”
Also read: New program reduces Indigenous out-of-home care for children
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
- Daniel Miltonhttps://thirdsector.com.au/author/daniel-miltonakolade-co/
- Daniel Miltonhttps://thirdsector.com.au/author/daniel-miltonakolade-co/
- Daniel Miltonhttps://thirdsector.com.au/author/daniel-miltonakolade-co/
- Daniel Miltonhttps://thirdsector.com.au/author/daniel-miltonakolade-co/