Justine Elliot’s advocacy for more police is welcome, but it must be paired with progressive policies addressing crime’s root causes. The current ‘tough on crime’ approach fails to tackle issues like drug abuse, lack of education, family breakdown, and housing insecurity, which drive criminal behaviour. Instead of perpetuating regressive policies, we need humane and effective solutions.
I can’t bear the thought of living under a regressive, racist, Trumpian-style government led by Peter Dutton. Therefore, I hope Justine can offer a more enlightened approach other than the overused ‘tough on crime’ strategy. Give me humane and effective solutions in addition to the conservative approach. And yes, I understand that the ‘tough on crime’ strategy guarantees votes.
Australia is the only nation imprisoning children as young as ten, with devastating consequences. Evidence shows that youth incarceration often leads to a lifetime in the justice system, known as the revolving door jail system. Many held on remand, detained without conviction. The cost exceeds $700,000 per child annually, often benefiting private corporations.
The involvement of private businesses in the detention system has sparked debates about accountability, human rights, and the ethics of profiteering from the incarceration of vulnerable individuals, including children. Redirecting these funds toward welfare and education could break this cycle.
In 2022, the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture suspended its visit to Australian jails due to denied access, violating anti-torture protocols. This raises serious concerns about Australia’s commitment to human rights.
Reform is overdue. Current strategies aren’t working, as 60 per cent of prisoners have been previously incarcerated. Simply repeating failed policies is futile. Justine, we need a comprehensive approach that prioritizes prevention, rehabilitation, and addressing systemic issues, rather than relying solely on outdated ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric.
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