23 July 2025
The Greens are urging the State Government to abandon populist “law and order” policies and instead target the underlying causes of youth crime if it wants to create a safer community
The call follows today’s unveiling of new youth justice proposals by the Attorney-General that could introduce a presumption against bail for repeat youth offenders.
“The major parties have turned youth crime into a political football. Locking more kids up might make headlines, but it also makes crime worse by limiting possibilities for rehabilitation. This push is especially concerning given that according to the Guardian for Children and Young People, Aboriginal children and young people are 32 times more likely to be in detention than non-Aboriginal children,” said Greens SA Justice Spokesperson Robert Simms MLC.
“Kids in detention aren’t learning skills, building positive relationships or getting the support that they need to address the issues that lead to offending in the first place,” Mr Simms said.
“The Government should instead get serious about the causes of youth crime by fully funding public schools, expanding free school meal programs, increasing access to no-cost mental health sessions, and investing in the early intervention and diversion services that will actually make our community safer.”
“Data released by the Attorney-General’s own Department this year reveals that South Australia has the second lowest rate of youth offenders across Australia, after the ACT. Despite this, the Government and the Opposition remain locked in a race to the bottom. I urge the Attorney-General to reconsider this push and take an evidence-based approach which respects the rule of law, public safety and the rights of the child.”
The Greens currently have a bill before Parliament to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, consistent with recommendations from the United Nations and leading human rights organisations.