SA 'youth crime wave' a myth
By Emma Webb
ADELAIDE — In the lead up to the South Australian election due this year both Liberal and Labor are trying to out do each other in the so-called war against youth crime.
In the recent Liberal Party leadership switch, in which Dean Brown replaced by John Olson, the long-term back bencher Dorothy Kotz was given the portfolios of youth affairs, training and further education, and correctional services.
Kotz has been described by commentators as having some of the most far right views in the state party. Last year she made headlines more than once with calls for youth curfews, tougher police powers to break up youth gangs and a return to both corporal and capital punishment. She is currently planning public meetings to discuss tougher penalties for youth offenders.
The state government is now testing a number of high technology policing systems, including trialing a suburb within the Multi-Function Polis where all houses will be electronically connected to police who will "live among the people" while being on 24-hour duty.
Not to be outdone, opposition leader Mike Wran launched the ALP's law and order policy earlier this month. He pledged to combat youth crime by introducing "the toughest law and order legislation in the country".
Liberal and Labor's youth crime wave is a myth. As Chris Sodoti, the Human Rights Commissioner, recently commented, the level of youth crime has remained stable over the last 15 years. Less than 5 % of young people commit a first offence and 70% never re-offend.
The state government isn't serious about dealing with the social problems that cause crime. While it has cut funding to many youth services and, despite 40% youth unemployment, continues to cuts jobs, it has managed to find the money to build a new jail.