The ACT government has tabled a five-year youth justice plan in the Legislative Assembly today, focusing on early intervention, rehabilitation and reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the justice system.
The ACT Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2031 outlines reforms aimed at diverting young offenders from the justice system where appropriate, addressing the causes of offending and improving community safety.
It proposes strengthening diversion programs, expanding culturally appropriate support services, improving rehabilitation at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre and helping young people transition back into the community after detention.
Children, Youth and Families Minister Michael Pettersson says many young people entering the justice system have experienced trauma, family violence, disability, mental health problems or involvement with child protection services.
He says addressing these underlying issues earlier is essential to improving long-term community safety.
The plan also prioritises reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through partnerships with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
It builds on the ACT’s decision to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 and replaces the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-2022.
The ACT Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2031 is available at https://www.act.gov.au/open/
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