SYDNEY (AFP) – Rights activists have slammed the Australian state of Queensland’s imposition of adult jail sentences on children as young as 10.
The state’s new conservative government has conceded the new law is “incompatible” with human rights legislation and will likely have a “greater impact” on indigenous children.
But it decided to override existing human rights law because the crime situation was “exceptional”.
The ‘Making Queensland Safe’ law approved by Parliament on Thursday scraps the principle that jail should be a last resort for minors.
It says children from the age of 10 will face the same penalties as adults for 13 serious offences ranging from dangerous driving and home break-ins to murder.
“These laws are the first strike back against the youth crime crisis to start restoring safety where you live,” said Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, whose conservative Liberal National Party won October elections.
“We have restored consequences for actions, and put victims’ rights ahead of offenders.”
The ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ legislation was also supported by the state’s opposition centre-left Labor lawmakers.
“This is the action that fed-up Queenslanders have demanded,” said Queensland Attorney General Deb Frecklington.
