The Queensland state election campaign has kicked into high gear with a controversial policy announcement from the Liberal National Party. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli used his official campaign launch to unveil a hardline approach to youth crime, including mandatory isolation periods for child offenders who assault detention center staff.
LNP’s “Detention with Purpose” Plan Sparks Debate
Speaking to party faithful in Ipswich, Crisafulli declared youth crime a “crisis” that the current government has failed to address. His solution, dubbed “detention with purpose,” would see young offenders placed in solitary confinement for set periods as punishment for violent behavior behind bars.
“If the state is taking over responsibility for their care, we must make sure they use their time to become better people, not better criminals,” the LNP leader asserted to applause from the crowd of about 150 supporters.
Experts Warn of Solitary Confinement Dangers
However, the policy flies in the face of expert advice about the harmful impacts of solitary confinement on young people. Studies have consistently shown that isolation can lead to severe psychological damage, increased risk of self-harm and suicide, and higher rates of reoffending.
Solitary confinement is really one of the most egregious ways that you can punish a child, and it's counterproductive.
Youth justice advocate, on condition of anonymity
In Queensland’s youth detention centers, “separation” is already used extensively, with some children spending more time in isolation than in structured programs. Insiders say chronic understaffing is a key factor, as there aren’t enough workers to safely manage challenging detainees.
Carrots and Sticks: Can Rewards Change Behavior?
Alongside the punitive measures, Crisafulli also promised a “privileges” system where well-behaved detainees could earn perks like in-cell televisions. He argued tougher consequences for assaults would help attract more staff to deliver rehabilitation programs.
“This is about ensuring young offenders face real repercussions for their actions, while also incentivizing them to engage with their education and change their ways,” the opposition leader told reporters.
Crime and Punishment on the Campaign Trail
With just a week until polling day, the LNP has sought to make youth crime a defining issue of the campaign. Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie accused the government of avoiding the topic, while hinting at attack ads to come in the final stretch.
“The union movement, I’d say they haven’t even started yet,” Bleijie quipped to the party faithful. “The money they’ll spend in the next few days to cling to power, you’ve seen nothing like it before.”
Conscience Vote Concerns Hang Over Campaign
Meanwhile, pro-choice protesters gathered outside the LNP launch, calling on candidates to reveal how they would vote on any bill to wind back Queensland’s abortion laws. The specter of a conscience vote to restrict access has lingered over the campaign.
Crisafulli has repeatedly stated the LNP has “ruled out” changing the laws that decriminalized abortion in 2018. However, he and his colleagues have dodged questions on how they would act if such a bill came before the next parliament.
Countdown to The Ballot Box
As the final week of campaigning begins, pundits are tipping the result is still the LNP’s to lose. However, several polls have tightened in recent days, setting the stage for a frenetic finish as leaders crisscross the state to sway undecided voters.
For Crisafulli, the message was simple as he implored Queenslanders to vote for a “fresh start” under his leadership. Whether that clarion call will cut through the noise and fury of a bare-knuckle political brawl will be decided on October 28.
