Electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) have been tested on young offenders aged 15 to 18 who are out on bail, but the outcomes have been varied.

During a parliamentary hearing, youth advocates criticized the new legislation.

“For those aged 10 to 14, there is no evidence anywhere suggesting that EMDs are effective for this age group,” stated Katherine Hayes, CEO of the Youth Advocacy Centre.

Tom Allsop, CEO of PeakCare, expressed concern, saying, “For 60% of these youths, home is not a safe environment, and forcing them to remain in such settings could be one of the worst possible approaches.”

Natalie Lewis, Commissioner of the Queensland Family and Child Commission, also voiced her objections to the initiative.

“It violates children’s rights, it ignores what science tells us about child development and it contradicts everything we know about effective youth justice,” Lewis said.

Despite the backlash, the bill will pass when parliament resumes with the support of youth crime victims.

“The electronic monitoring devices is just another tool that is available to the courts,” Voice for Victims advocate Trudy Reading said.