General News
3 February, 2026
Division over ankle devices
FAR North Queensland residents have voiced sharply different views on proposed changes to youth justice laws at a Cairns public hearing examining the state government’s Youth Justice (Electronic Monitoring) Amendment Bill.
The bill would expand the use of electronic ankle monitoring across Queensland and extend eligibility to children as young as 10. It was introduced in December 2025 following a limited trial of the technology involving eight youth offenders.
During the Cairns hearing, Kuranda resident Anna Rayes said the issue was highly emotive for communities affected by crime but said discussion should remain focused on the legislation itself.
“People are being impacted day in and day out by crime,” she said. “However, given that this is the Youth Justice Amendment Bill, sort of stick to that.”
Ms Rayes referred to the data presented to the hearing, noting that children aged 10 to 11 accounted for about 1% of total crime, with most youth offending committed by those aged 14 to 17. In the Far North region, she said there were 6829 reported juvenile offences in the same period, with 78 recidivist offenders.
“The fact that there are only around 78 recidivist offenders is a pretty good indication that something somewhere is working. It’s not perfect,” she said.
Ms Rayes supported the use of electronic monitoring as an alternative to detention, arguing it could reduce reoffending through curfews, real-time location tracking and early intervention.
Paul Drabble, who described himself as a newcomer to Kuranda, said his concerns were focused on prevention, rather than punishment.
Speaking about his experience living in the village, he said youth crime needed to be addressed through broader social support.
“What I see is youth addiction. I see drug and alcohol addiction and I see generational addiction to behaviour,” he said.
Mr Drabble raised concerns about Queensland social housing and the limited police resources in Mareeba Shire, noting that the local police station was not staffed 24 hours a day.
He said the community was calling for night patrols and increased youth, drug and alcohol services.
“Generally, the youth in this town are fantastic,” he said.
The earlier trial of electronic monitoring found three of the eight participants reoffended while wearing the devices.
After the monitors were removed, five were charged with further offences.
