Last week, she expressed her profound disappointment to SBS News, lamenting the lack of any response or action thus far.

She highlighted how recent progress in childcare reform demonstrates that significant changes can occur on a national scale when there is sufficient political will.

“It’s crucial that we listen to young people who are facing this crisis head-on and adhere to the best evidence available to ensure the safety of children and communities,” she emphasized.

Greens Senator David Shoebridge has been instrumental in advocating for the revival of a Senate inquiry into youth justice, underscoring the need for a systematic approach to address these pressing issues.

Greens Senator David Shoebridge has been a driving force in reestablishing a Senate inquiry into youth justice. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

He said the “continued politicisation” of youth justice was harming young First Nations people at disproportionate rates, and the inquiry would be able to consider the harm done and what evidence-based solutions were available.

“Within that number of approximately 800 children, there’s a disproportionate number of First Nation children. We’re talking about 60 per cent … I think those are very startling statistics that require further rigorous assessment,” he said.

That advice was provided by Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, but the legislation still passed.

Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington advised parts of the laws violated part of the state’s Human Rights Act, but they passed anyway. Source: AAP / Darren England

The Northern Territory government has taken a similar approach, lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10, reintroducing the use of spit hoods in youth detention, and enacting a raft of reforms broadly branded as being ‘tough on crime’.

Hollonds says this approach only drives vulnerable children into further offending, without making communities safer, advocating instead for greater investment in the root causes of crime, including health, housing, education and programs aimed at diversion and rehabilitation.

Federal minister flags funding cuts if states don’t meet Closing the Gaps targets

“There is no doubt that Queensland and the Northern Territory’s targets are alarming, in particular the Northern Territory, around the high incarceration rates of First Nations people, in particular youth.”