The State Government’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws are being expanded to 45 offences to further tackle youth crime in Queensland.
Legislation is being introduced to add a dozen new offences and is currently being examined by a Parliamentary Committee.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said it was important that local residents, victims and community organisations take the opportunity to have their say.
“Mackay has lived through the impacts of Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis and our community deserves to be heard as these laws continue to be strengthened,” Mr Dalton said.
“I strongly encourage locals to make a submission to the Parliamentary Committee so the real experiences of Mackay families, businesses and victims are part of the conversation.
“This is about making sure regional communities like Mackay are not ignored when decisions about youth justice are being made.”
The 12 new Adult Crime, Adult Time offences are:
- Assault occasioning bodily harm
- Conspiring to murder
- Unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment or abuse
- Riot
- Abuse of persons with an impairment of the mind
- Indecent treatment of a child under the age of 16
- Choking, suffocation, or strangulation in a domestic setting
- Disabling in order to commit indictable offence
- Stupefying in order to commit indictable offence
- Endangering the safety of a person in a vehicle with intent
- Aiding suicide
- Administering poison with intent to harm
The expansion builds on the Crisafulli Government’s Making Queensland Safer Laws, which introduced Adult Crime, Adult Time for the most serious offences.
Since those laws were introduced, more than 4,000 youth offenders have been charged with over 19,000 Adult Crime, Adult Time offences, while the number of crime victims has fallen by 7.2 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Mr Dalton said the reforms were part of a broader effort by the Government to restore safety and accountability across Queensland communities.
“Whether it’s strengthening youth justice laws or responding to community concerns around issues like dangerous e-scooters and illegal e-bikes, the message from our community is clear — people want safer streets,” he said.
“A recent parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility devices heard strong feedback from Mackay residents and schools, and recommended important reforms including age restrictions, stronger enforcement powers, alcohol and drug testing for riders, and the ability to seize illegal devices.
“Just like that inquiry, it’s critical Mackay residents have their say on these new youth justice laws as well.”
