Tougher bail laws sees big rise in youth detention

New data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics has shown the number of juveniles in custody in New South Wales has risen by 34 per cent, with 60 per cent of the number Indigenous children.

“Aboriginal children make up 60 per cent of the youth detention population now. That’s a considerable increase, it’s amongst the highest number we’ve ever seen,” Bureau director Jackie Fitzgerald told the ABC.

“And we can see that the increase is really considerable — 36 per cent over the past two years for Aboriginal young people.

“Were moving in the wrong direction … and quite considerably off track to meet that (closing the gap) target.

“All of us should be concerned. Especially when the Australian government and the NSW government have committed to closing the gap.”

The NSW government has extended strict bail laws for young offenders accused of repeat car thefts and home invasions and this has had a dramatic effect on numbers.

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said the extension was aimed at breaking the cycle of youth offending.

“We can see this law is working and that’s why we’ve extended it.” he said in the ABC report.