Overview

• Queensland's parliament is poised to approve a second round of 'adult crime, adult time' laws, extending adult penalties to minors for 20 additional offences, including rape, arson, and attempted murder.
• UN special rapporteurs have condemned the legislation as incompatible with international child rights standards, citing undue harm to children’s safety, education, and life prospects.
• The laws prohibit courts from prioritizing non-custodial sentences or considering detention as a last resort for minors, contravening human rights principles.
• Indigenous children, already overrepresented in Queensland's youth detention system, are expected to face harsher consequences under the expanded laws.
• Premier David Crisafulli has defended the measures, emphasizing state sovereignty and dismissing UN criticism, while the government acknowledges the laws conflict with human rights obligations.