Fears political frenzy not facts guiding youth justice

Australia's strategy on youth justice and incarceration must be informed by real evidence and lived experience rather than political panic, a new national report warns.

Although youth crime continues to dominate headlines nationwide, the number of children prosecuted by police last year fell 5 per cent.

It's a continuing trend, as youth offending has fallen in every state and territory over the past two decades.

The senate standing committee on legal and constitutional affairs delivered a final report on Friday on the inquiry into Australia's youth justice and incarceration system.

Committee member, Greens justice spokesman David Shoebridge is encouraging other politicians to consider a more data-driven strategy.

"The data this committee obtained tells a very different story to the one dominating headlines," the senator said.

"Politicians who want to keep communities safe should be following the evidence, not the panic."

It's a sentiment echoed by the Justice Reform initiative executive director Mindy Sotiri.

''We need our leaders to move away from politicised policy making and take a clear-eyed look at the evidence about what actually works," Dr Sotiri said.

A series of national recommendations have been delivered, including to develop national minimum standards for the sector, alongside a national child and community safety task force.

''This is the first time we have had cross party recognition that the federal government has a critical role in youth justice to help deliver real safety gains for the whole community," Mr Shoebridge said.

"The Commonwealth cannot keep funding failure and abuse in the name of state and territory autonomy."

The attorney-general will establish the task force, bringing together police, education, social, health and legal services, alongside employment departments to coordinate national reform for Australia's youth justice system.

In July 2025, the ACT raised the age of criminal responsibility to 14, implementing community solutions to support younger children.