Queensland Expands 'Adult Crime, Adult Time' Laws in New Crackdown on Youth Crime

The Queensland Government has passed new legislation expanding its "Adult Crime, Adult Time" policy, alongside broader reforms targeting drug offences and antisocial behaviour.

The new laws, passed in Parliament today, are part of a wider effort to strengthen responses to youth crime, with the government citing early signs of improvement, including a reported 7.2 per cent drop in victims of crime in 2025.

The legislation introduces three major changes. First, the "Adult Crime, Adult Time" framework will be extended to cover 12 additional serious offences, including aggravated assault causing bodily harm, stalking, riot-related offences, and crimes involving harm or coercion.

Second, police will be granted expanded powers in designated business and community precincts in centres such as Maryborough, Mackay, Cairns and Townsville. These powers allow officers to move on or ban individuals engaging in disruptive or antisocial behaviour, with the aim of improving safety for businesses, workers and residents.

Third, the reforms include a new Illicit Drug Enforcement and Diversion Framework. The approach combines tougher penalties for repeat or serious offenders with health-based interventions for first-time, low-risk individuals.

The government has criticised previous policies, arguing that earlier drug laws allowed repeated diversions for offenders without sufficient consequences. It also claims that stronger enforcement and early intervention measures are beginning to reduce crime rates.

According to government figures, nearly 4,700 young offenders have been charged with more than 22,800 offences under the existing "Adult Crime, Adult Time" laws. Officials say the expansion of the policy is intended to further reduce offending and improve community safety.

Among the additional offences now included are conspiring to murder, choking or strangulation in a domestic setting, administering poison with intent to harm, and endangering safety in a vehicle.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the reforms deliver on commitments to strengthen laws and support frontline policing.

He stated that the changes are aimed at restoring community safety after what the government describes as a period of rising youth crime, while acknowledging more work remains.

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the expansion reflects a continued focus on tougher penalties alongside rehabilitation.

She noted that young offenders subject to the laws will also receive up to 12 months of post-detention rehabilitation support, with the goal of reducing reoffending and breaking cycles of crime.