Inquiry into young people and crime

Source: Bill Sykes media release 12.08.08

Inquiry into strategies to prevent high volume and repeat offending by young people

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes and former member of the all party Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee said that as part of the committee's Inquiry into Strategies to Prevent High Volume and Repeat Offending by Young People a discussion paper has been produced covering a wide range of issues related to the inquiry.

“Offending by young people is an ongoing concern to the community”, Dr Sykes said.

“According to the most recent crime statistics provided by Victoria Police, nearly half (46%) of all recorded incidents of crime were committed by young people under the age of 25 years.”

Dr Sykes said that as a result of such concerns, the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee has been asked to examine justice and crime strategies to prevent high volume crimes and repeat offending by young people.

“The Committee's aim is to assist young people to keep them out of jail. As a community we have the responsibility to care and protect young people and to support them to lead healthy and productive lives.”

Dr Sykes said the Committee welcomed written submissions in response to the questions asked in the Discussion Paper or on any matter related to the Terms of Reference of the inquiry. A copy of the Discussion Paper is available on the committee's website www.parliament/vic.gov.au/dcpc

Submissions are requested by Monday 8 September 2008. All responses should be forwarded to:

Executive Officer
Drugs & Crime Prevention Committee
Parliament House
Melbourne Vic 3002