The legislation aims to disrupt criminal activity and prevent the recruitment of vulnerable youths into gangs.

“One thing we really want to make sure these laws can do is to have young people not influenced into a life of crime,” Attorney-General Kyam Maher said.

The laws would allow authorities to declare identified criminal groups as street gangs, making it an offence to recruit members, and the police commissioner would be empowered to obtain control orders, restricting gang activities. 

Courts could impose conditions limiting access to weapons, association with other gang members, and attendance at specific locations. 

“This is squarely aimed at disrupting the criminal activity of street gangs in South Australia,” Maher said.

However, the proposed laws have drawn criticism from some experts who argue that early intervention strategies are more effective in addressing youth crime.

“This isn’t the way to go, there (are) opportunities to get in earlier with families and earlier with children,” Guardian for Children and Young People Shona Reid said.

The government is seeking community consultation over the bill and aims to introduce it later in the year.