The National Network strongly condemns the state government’s recent announcement of a so- called ‘Youth and Street Gangs Task Force.’
‘Expanding police powers and redirecting resources toward policing children does not create safety for everyone—instead, it deepens systemic inequalities and disproportionately targets Aboriginal children and children from low-income communities,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘This latest move mirrors past failed strategies in other states, such as the police’s ‘Suspect Targeted Management Plan,’ where children—predominantly Aboriginal children—were placed under constant surveillance without evidence of wrongdoing,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Criminological research has consistently shown that these net-widening tactics only serve to entrench marginalisation and criminalisation, further fuelling cycles of poverty and incarceration,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘The government’s narrative that ‘youth crime’ is increasing contradicts national evidence,’ said Debbie Kilroy. ‘Criminologists and researchers have consistently demonstrated that youth crime rates are, in fact, declining across Australia. The government’s focus on policing children as part of a political strategy to appear “tough on crime” is not only misleading but harmful,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Using children as political footballs to score points with their constituency is unacceptable, and it perpetuates the structural racism embedded within our legal systems,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘This Task Force, like similar populist initiatives, fails to address the root causes of harm—such as racism, poverty, lack of access to education, and systemic discrimination,’ said Tabitha Lean. ‘Real solutions require investing in communities, not surveillance and punishment. Programs that prioritise care, opportunity, and self determination for children—particularly Aboriginal children—must take precedence over these punitive measures,’ said Tabitha Lean.
The National Network calls on the state government to abandon this harmful approach and engage with community-led, evidence-based strategies to support children and their families.
‘Real safety cannot be achieved by policing; it must be built through equity, education, and community empowerment,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226