Social service body says Qld's breach bail laws were made in 'echo chamber'

The Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) has criticized the state government for crafting laws in an echo chamber, according to a recent parliamentary committee hearing. The LNP administration's latest measure to combat crime, breach bail, and incarcerate offenders faces scrutiny. However, community organizations, including QCOSS, were not invited to testify before the committee.

CEO Aimee McVeigh denounced the exclusion, asserting that diverse voices are crucial for creating robust laws and policies. The committee heard from victims' advocates, legal experts, and experts on the legislation's impact. Queensland's peak social service body believes that while addressing community safety is essential, merely punishing individuals through mandatory incarceration won't foster necessary behavioral changes.

Commissioner Luke Twyford of the Queensland Family and Child Commission echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of interventions to modify behavior. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington acknowledged the need for improvement but defended the legislation's effectiveness, pledging to push forward with the policy by year-end.