Terms of Reference
- That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 March 2026:
Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system, with particular reference to:
- the outcomes and impacts of youth incarceration in jurisdictions across Australia,
- the over-incarceration of First Nations children,
- the degree of compliance and non-compliance by state, territory and federal prisons and detention centres with the human rights of children and young people in detention, and
- the Commonwealth’s international obligations in regards to youth justice including the rights of the child, freedom from torture and civil rights,
- the benefits and need for enforceable national minimum standards for youth justice consistent with our international obligations; and
- any related matters.
- That, in conducting the inquiry, the committee:
- engage with and seek input from young people with lived experience in the youth justice system, and
- seek evidence of effective alternative approaches to incarceration for young people, including diversionary programs.
- That the committee have the power to consider and use the records of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee appointed in the previous parliament.
Committee Secretariat contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6277 3560
legcon.sen@aph.gov.au