RETHINK ON JUVENILE OFFENDER LAWS

Tuesday, 08 November 2011 16:13

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

20 October 2011

RETHINK ON JUVENILE OFFENDER LAWS

The Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson MP is urging people to take part in a review of the laws governing juvenile offenders that was announced today by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.

Attorney General Greg Smith has released a consultation paper and wants to know whether the laws are effective and consistent with the Government’s commitment to cutting re-offending rates.

Mr Anderson said it was important that the laws were in line with community standards.

“The consultation paper gives the community the facts about youth offending and the law so that it can make up its own mind about the issues raised,’’ Mr Anderson said.

“I encourage members of the public, including victims of crime, to have their say on the questions raised in the consultation paper.”

The issues raised include whether:

• any changes are needed to the laws governing the issuing of warnings and cautions and the directing of young offenders into youth conferencing;
• the Children’s Court should be responsible for hearing all traffic matters involving juvenile defendants (currently young people must face the Local Court if they were old enough to legally drive at the time of the incident);
• the Young Offenders Act and the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act should be amalgamated.

The Young Offenders Act enables children who commit certain offences to be dealt with outside of court through the use of warnings, cautions and youth justice conferences.

The Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act governs the age of criminal responsibility, the jurisdiction of the Children’s Court and the penalties that apply to children for criminal offences. 

The Department of Attorney General and Justice is conducting the review of the laws, with assistance from an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of peak legal groups, criminologists, experts in young offending and advocates for victims of crime and people with a disability.

The consultation paper is available at: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lpd Public submissions can be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and must be made by 9 December 2011.

ENDS