Queensland government weighs 'breach bail, go to jail' laws for young offenders

The Queensland government says it is seriously examining a proposal to introduce mandatory jail time for young offenders who breach their bail conditions - a policy that has already drawn criticism from youth justice advocates.

The measure was a central theme of the LNP's campaign in the Hinchinbrook by-election, where candidate Wayde Chiesa secured a decisive victory with a 17 per cent swing, wresting the north Queensland seat from Katter's Australian Party.

Chiesa, who frequently promoted the slogan "breach bail, go to jail," said the idea was developed after extensive feedback from residents in the electorate. Under the proposal, children who violate bail conditions would automatically face time behind bars.

A breach of bail is already an offence for young people following changes introduced by the former Labor government in 2023, but the LNP's plan would significantly toughen the consequences.

Government says momentum is building

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the by-election result demonstrated strong public support for a more hardline approach to youth crime.

"I think it's fair to say the government is now actively considering 'breach bail, go to jail', given the historic result on the weekend and the clear backing from that community," he said.
"And it's not just Hinchinbrook - we've seen strong support for that policy right across Queensland."

Bleijie confirmed that Chiesa will meet with senior cabinet ministers, including the Attorney-General and the Youth Justice Minister, once the Electoral Commission formally declares the outcome, to further explore the proposal.

Meanwhile, at least one advocate has criticised the push as driven by "hysteria", arguing the policy risks worsening outcomes for vulnerable young people.