The recent announcement by the LNP to establish so-called ‘Circuit Breaker Sentencing’ facilities, dressed up as a solution to youth crime, is nothing more than a blatant political ploy to exploit children and young people for votes. ‘These facilities, essentially remote prisons, are part of a broader LNP plan to introduce harsh measures like ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’, despite overwhelming evidence that such punitive policies do not work, and are a throwback to outdated punishment models that are being abandoned in other countries,’ said Debbie Kilroy, CEO of Sisters Inside.
‘The LNP’s claim that these facilities will be the “U-turn needed” to stop re-offending is as hollow as it is harmful. These $80 million jails—because that’s what they really are—will be run by private companies and are being falsely marketed as alternatives to incarceration,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘When asked if they are simply building two new prisons, the LNP insisted this was “circuit breaker sentencing,” we know that this is just a thinly veiled attempt to disguise what is in reality the further entrenchment of children’s imprisonment,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘David Crisafulli claims that these remote prisons will give children the discipline they need, positioning them as a solution to breaking the cycle of crime. However, criminologists and experts have already debunked the so-called ‘youth crime crisis’ the LNP is inflating for political gain,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘Research has shown that youth crime is not the issue the LNP is making it out to be. Their plan is misguided and deeply dangerous for our most vulnerable children, they are out of touch,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘To borrow a model from Spain and assume it will work here demonstrates how disconnected the LNP is from the realities of our communities. Australia’s social, cultural, and economic context is vastly different, and importing an overseas model is both reckless and ill-advised. What’s worse, this proposal sends a clear message: rather than invest in care and community, the LNP would rather banish our children to the remotest parts of the state for “discipline” and punishment,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘This approach is as barbaric as it sounds. Our children do not need exile or punishment; they need love, support, and stability. They need a community wrapped around them, not political parties using them as scapegoats. What our young people deserve is a government dedicated to keeping them in school, in their homes, and in their communities, where they can be nurtured and supported,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
Sisters Inside are calling on Queenslanders to reject not just this dangerous proposal but the LNP as a whole on election day. The lives and futures of our children are at stake.
‘Queensland’s children and young people need opportunity and care—not to be abandoned in the name of political expediency,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474