Published March 2025
The Opposition welcomes the Government launching an “official new youth crime crackdown,” which cannot come soon enough.
Youth crime has skyrocketed under the Malinauskas Labor Government – including a 40 per cent increase in the last year alone.
New data analysis by the Opposition has also revealed that since 2021, SAPOL has reported a 70 per cent increase in the number of youths charged with breach of bail offences.
Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Police and Correctional Services, Jack Batty said Labor always seems to be playing catch up when it comes to law and order.
“Youth crime is out of control because the Malinauskas Labor Government has been dragging its feet to take action,” Mr Batty said.
“Last year, a 15-year-old was charged with breaching bail 57 times - that’s more than one breach of bail offence per week.
“There needs to be consequences for action. It is meant to be a criminal justice system, not a frequent flyer program.
“The Opposition has been calling for a review into breach of bail for years and while we’ve been waiting for this Government to act, we have continued to see serious crimes committed by offenders who have breached bail.
“These are crimes that could have been prevented and, most importantly, victims who could have been spared, if Labor had acted sooner.
“Labor now needs to urgently confirm the scope, time frame and resourcing of this review.
“We welcome Labor’s newfound interest in youth crime – but now we need action, and we need results.”
Media Contact: Gretel Mead 0449 500 844
