Neil Breen pressed the Children and Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard for strong answers this morning following Queensland Government announcement of new youth justice system measures. 

Ms Linard was a signatory to yesterday’s press release outlining the changes.

“We are strengthening our bail laws to provide further guidance to the courts,” Ms Linard began. “They’re tough measures, Neil.”

“Yeah, I understand they’re tough measures, but they’re open to interpretation for magistrates,” Neil responded.

“The courts are applying the laws and they are remanding these young people if they feel they’re a risk to community,” she said.

Neil disagreed. “The 17-year-old youth charged with murder of two people in Alexandra Hills who were walking their dogs on Australia Day … had just pleaded guilty to 50 offences and he was on bail.”

But Ms Linard wouldn’t be drawn in. “I can’t obviously provide -”

“50’s a lot,” Neil interjected.

“I can’t provide comments in regard to particular instances but I think the Police Commissioner has actually made comment in regards to that,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview