Overview
- The state government will introduce a bill that creates a new offence tied to its 'adult crime, adult time' (ACAT) list and mandates a minimum 12‑month prison term for anyone who commits one of the 47 listed serious offences while on bail.
- The measure applies to both adults and children and lets a judge or magistrate choose to apply the new minimum sentence to offenders charged with ACAT offences such as murder, manslaughter, robbery and rape.
- Premier David Crisafulli and Police Minister Dan Purdie say the reform targets repeat offenders and will stop a 'revolving door' where people are arrested, released on bail and offend again.
- Unions, youth advocates and frontline staff warn the policy will add immediate pressure to an already overstretched system, noting youth centres are at or beyond safe capacity with dozens of children reportedly waiting in watch houses for beds.
- Queensland Corrective Services and the auditor‑general have already forecast rising prisoner numbers through 2035, and critics say the change doubles down on large, under‑resourced detention models that have not reduced reoffending and limit rehabilitation.