Crime & Justice
Youth Court Just Doubled Its Use of Rehab Programs — But They're Still Rare
While politicians argue over whether to be tougher or softer on young offenders, Youth Court judges quietly increased rehabilitation orders by 75% in 2024. The catch? They're still only using them in 84 cases nationwide.
Why Are We Sentencing More Young People as Adults Than Ever Before?
While politicians debate court processes, youth court data reveals a stark reality: we're now handing down 111% more adult sentences to young offenders than before COVID. The question nobody's asking is why.
Courts Are Fining Young Offenders Less Than Ever — Here's Why That Matters
While politicians debate youth crime policy, one court response has quietly collapsed. Monetary penalties for young offenders have fallen 40% in four years — the lowest in three decades.
Why Are Youth Drug Offences Down 50% While Court Cases Make Headlines?
While an 18-year romance scam dominates the courts today, youth drug offences have quietly collapsed to their lowest level in decades. The numbers tell a story nobody's shouting about.
Youth Sexual Assault Cases Drop to 30-Year Low While Crime Panic Peaks
Sexual assault and related offences in youth court fell to 351 cases in 2024 — the lowest since 1994. It's a 28% drop in four years, even as politicians campaign on youth crime spiralling out of control.
Youth Traffic Offences Just Hit Their Lowest Point in Three Decades
While politicians debate infrastructure investment, youth court data reveals something nobody's talking about: young people are committing fewer traffic offences than at any point since records began in 1992.
Youth Homicide Cases Doubled in 2024 — And Nobody's Talking About It
While the government unveils its infrastructure plan, youth court data shows homicide and related offences at their highest level in 27 years. The 246 cases in 2024 represent a surge nobody saw coming.