Media release 18 September: Labour Fails Regional Communities by Voting Down Youth Crime Bill

LABOR FAILS REGIONAL COMMUNTITIES BY VOTING DOWN YOUTH CRIME BILL

Member for Albury, Justin Clancy MP, has condemned the NSW Labor Government for voting down the Coalition’s Youth Crime (Intervention and Prevention) Bill 2025.

Mr Clancy has described the decision as a failure to listen to regional communities who are calling for stronger action on youth crime.

‘This Bill was not created in a vacuum, it was a direct response to what communities, particularly in regional NSW, have been asking for,’ Mr Clancy said.

‘Small businesses, families, and frontline police in Albury and right across the State are experiencing the real cost of repeat youth crime.’

‘They have told us loud and clear that the system needs stronger boundaries and greater accountability, alongside the support services that can prevent young people from offending in the first place.’

The Bill proposed tougher penalties for repeat youth offenders committing serious indictable offences, strengthened bail laws, and measures such as curfews and electronic monitoring devices.

It also highlighted the need for wrap-around support services to divert youth from crime.

‘Labor has ignored those calls and voted against legislation that would have provided both stronger consequences for those who repeatedly offend, and stronger support for those at risk of falling into crime,’ Mr Clancy said.

‘This is a slap in the face for regional communities like ours, and we cannot continue to see small businesses and families bearing the financial and emotional cost of youth crime, while repeat offenders face little consequence.’

Mr Clancy acknowledged the vital work of local organisations such as Boys to the Bush, Albury PCYC, TVN On Country, and the Albury Project, who are making a difference at the grassroots level.

‘These organisations are doing outstanding work, but they need a government willing to back them with a framework that sets clear boundaries. Instead, Labor has chosen to walk away from that responsibility.’

‘I will continue to fight for the safety of our community, for small business, and for young people to have the right support and the right boundaries to build a better future.’