“I’m incredibly frustrated by the lack of any response or action so far,” she expressed to SBS News last week.

She pointed out that recent developments in childcare demonstrate how national-level changes can occur when there is political determination.

“It’s crucial to listen to the young individuals directly impacted by this crisis and rely on the best evidence available to ensure the safety of children and communities.”

Greens Senator David Shoebridge has been instrumental in reviving a Senate inquiry focused on youth justice.

He highlighted that the “ongoing politicization” of youth justice disproportionately affects young First Nations people, suggesting that the inquiry could evaluate the damage inflicted and explore evidence-based solutions.

He said the “continued politicisation” of youth justice was harming young First Nations people at disproportionate rates, and the inquiry would be able to consider the harm done and what evidence-based solutions were available.

“Within that number of approximately 800 children, there’s a disproportionate number of First Nation children. We’re talking about 60 per cent … I think those are very startling statistics that require further rigorous assessment,” he said.

That advice was provided by Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, but the legislation still passed.

Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington advised parts of the laws violated part of the state’s Human Rights Act, but they passed anyway. Source: AAP / Darren England

The Northern Territory government has taken a similar approach, lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10, reintroducing the use of spit hoods in youth detention, and enacting a raft of reforms broadly branded as being ‘tough on crime’.

Hollonds says this approach only drives vulnerable children into further offending, without making communities safer, advocating instead for greater investment in the root causes of crime, including health, housing, education and programs aimed at diversion and rehabilitation.

Federal minister flags funding cuts if states don’t meet Closing the Gaps targets

“There is no doubt that Queensland and the Northern Territory’s targets are alarming, in particular the Northern Territory, around the high incarceration rates of First Nations people, in particular youth.”