Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Small Business, representing the Minister for Juvenile Justice. Is the Minister aware that a confidential report into New South Wales Juvenile Justice has found that without an overhaul of government laws and policy regarding young offenders, an additional 123 detention places, costing a staggering $350 million, will be needed within two years? Is the Minister aware of the report findings that the number of young offenders in detention will peak at 733 in 2015? In particular, is the Minister aware of the report’s criticisms into the juvenile justice system? The report states:
Despite spending upwards of $100 million a year on juvenile justice centres … NSW is achieving a poor return on investment for this spending. It is not effective in reducing juvenile offending.
Will the NSW Government implement the report recommendations and establish a policy of ‘justice reinvestment’ that focuses on early intervention strategies, rehabilitation or diversionary programs instead of condemning hundreds of young people to a life in jail
The Hon. Peter Primrose: As the honourable member indicated, the Minister for Juvenile Justice has responsibility for issues directly dealing with young offenders and the services that the Government provides for their rehabilitation. However, I am glad to provide the honourable member and the House with some information of the measures taken in this area. Last year the Minister for Juvenile Justice commissioned a high-level review of the juvenile justice system in New South Wales. The review considered broad government policy and legislation aimed at improving the juvenile justice system, in line with State Plan goals to reduce youth crime and reoffending.
The last review of the juvenile justice system was undertaken more than a decade ago, and national and international research and experience of effective methods of dealing with young offenders has progressed significantly since then. One key element of the review was to assess research and programs for their applicability in New South Wales. The review evaluated the impact of existing legislation, policy and practice and developed recommendations to government on appropriate reforms to reduce juvenile reoffending. The review was recently completed and Cabinet is considering the report and its recommendations. A high-level working group is to be established to develop a whole-of-government response.