Electronic Shackles for Kids as Young as 10: Queensland’s Controversial Bail Reform Sparks Fears of Regional Inequality
- Children as young as 10 can now be fitted with electronic monitoring devices while on bail in Queensland, sparking concerns about regional connectivity issues.
- The new laws are part of the government’s bail reform agenda, aimed at strengthening bail laws and reducing reoffending.
- But critics warn that the measure may not be effective in regional areas with poor internet connectivity, potentially leading to an over-representation of rural communities in detention.
The Queensland Parliament has passed laws allowing children as young as 10 to be fitted with electronic monitoring devices while on bail, sparking concerns about the impact on regional communities. The new legislation is part of the government’s bail reform agenda, aimed at strengthening bail laws and reducing reoffending. However, critics argue that the measure may not be effective in regional areas with poor internet connectivity, potentially leading to an over-representation of rural communities in detention.
The laws were introduced by Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber, who said the measure was a step forward in strengthening bail laws and putting the rights of victims first. “Under the Crisafulli government, electronic monitoring will operate as a reliable, real-time tool that supports our frontline workers to respond quickly and decisively,” she said. “These reforms are all part of our plan to put the rights of victims first, deliver consequences for actions and reduce reoffending, returning safety to Queensland communities.”
The new laws build on a 2021 trial, which saw serious repeat offenders over 15 ordered to wear devices in 13 locations, including in south-east Queensland, Townsville, and Cairns. The trial, evaluated by consultancy Nous Group, found that the devices were associated with high bail completion and reduced reoffending. However, more than half of the 12,020 alerts sent from devices during the trial period had been cancelled, requiring action from police, corrective services, or youth co-responders.
Queensland Police Union President Shane Prior expressed concerns about the resourcing needed to administer the devices, saying police were already under enormous pressure. “If there’s one less crew on the road responding to a false alarm, that means there’s one less crew that’s going to a domestic and family violence call for service,” he said. “We are struggling just to get to calls for service now.”
Pania Brown, CEO of Queensland Youth Services, a not-for-profit providing youth support services in Townsville and Mount Isa, welcomed the move, but raised concerns about the limitations of the measure in regional Queensland. “If you looked at a map and said what postcodes had reliable internet, immediately your map would look a little different in terms of where this option is available,” she said. “Would we then see an over-representation of other communities that don’t have access to the basics of phone coverage in [detention]?”
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The introduction of electronic monitoring devices for children as young as 10 raises significant concerns about the impact on regional communities, where internet connectivity is often limited. If the measure is not effective in these areas, it could lead to an over-representation of rural communities in detention, exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. Furthermore, the resourcing needed to administer the devices may put additional pressure on already stretched police resources, potentially diverting attention away from more pressing crimes. Security analysts say this could have long-term implications for community safety and social cohesion.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the measure may also create unintended consequences, such as an increased reliance on technology rather than addressing the underlying causes of youth crime. Industry observers believe that the government needs to invest in wrap-around support services, such as mental health and education programs, to address the root causes of youth offending.