A statement by Debbie Kilroy, CEO of Sisters Inside:
‘Today is a dark day in Queensland’s history as we bear witness to legislation purporting to make Queensland safer pass through our parliament.
This legislation will target some of the most vulnerable children in our community, predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and we will see the resulting harms for generations to come.
Right now, our children are being used as political footballs in a desperate grab by politicians to appeal to the lowest common political denominator – the tired and worn out ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric where there are no winners other than the politicians themselves and the prison system.
I have no doubt, that in the future there will be an inquiry into the harm caused by this cruel legislation.
These laws are not about justice; they are about racism, cruelty and control.
When this legislation passes, every politician in that House will have sent a very clear message to our children, that they value punishment over community support, and incarceration over care.
Caging children does not make us safer. This legislation WILL NOT make Queensland safer.
Queensland deserves better.
Our children deserve better.’
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474