STATE Member for Capalaba Russell Field is calling on Queenslanders to support a statewide petition seeking tougher bail laws, arguing repeat youth offenders are continuing to flout existing bail conditions and reoffend.
The campaign, known as Breach Bail, Go To Jail, is pushing for dangerous repeat youth offenders to lose access to bail if they breach their conditions.
According to data released by supporters of the campaign, youth offenders in the Capalaba region who breached bail did so an average of more than three times each during 2025.
The figures also show that, as of March, there were 325 serious repeat offenders across Queensland, including 59 living within the south-east region encompassing the Redlands, Logan and Gold Coast areas.
Campaign advocates argue these offenders are well known to police and the justice system but continue to be released on bail and reoffend.
Additional data cited by the campaign claims that 52 per cent of youth offenders across Queensland reoffend after being granted bail.
Mr Field has joined calls for stronger bail laws as the next stage of the State Government’s Adult Crime, Adult Time reforms.
Supporters say tougher bail laws would complement additional police resources, early intervention programs and rehabilitation measures aimed at reducing youth crime.
Mr Field said youth justice reform was one of the key reasons he entered politics.
“The reason I put my hand up to run for Parliament was to put victims first and stop the revolving door of repeat youth offenders,” he said.
“From the beginning, we have promised to strengthen the youth justice laws in Queensland, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“Breach Bail, Go to Jail is an important next step in that work and is a change that I am proud to put my support behind.”
Mr Field said youth offenders were making a mockery of our court system, consistently going on to reoffend.
“If those committing serious crimes are jailed as soon as they breach bail conditions, the community will be a safer place,” he said.
“I know that my constituents are calling out for more to be done.
“That is why I’m encouraging all concerned locals to make their voices heard and sign this petition.”
The petition is available through the campaign website.
