The National Children’s Commissioner says she’s blown away by the governments inability to support young Australians in the justice system.

It comes after elections in Queensland and the Northern Territory last year were won by promising stronger ‘law and order’. A fatal crash near the regional town Gunnedah last month has also reignited calls for stronger bail laws for young offenders in New South Wales.

However, Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds says the push for tougher penalties will not reduce rates of youth crime.

National Radio News reporter Noah Secomb spoke with Ms Hollonds on the sidelines of a senate inquiry into the youth justice system in parliament house.

Image: Image: Shutterstock – Annalucia

Produced By: Noah Secomb

Featured In Story: Anne Hollonds – Children’s Commissioner

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 4 February 2025