Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (19:32): I contribute to debate on the Children (Criminal Proceedings) and Young Offenders Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. At the outset, I acknowledge the diligent work, passion and interest of the Attorney General, as well as that of his team. I also acknowledge my Parliamentary Secretary colleague the member for Prospect. They are both lawyers, who have practised in this field over many years. They are capable and qualified to work on this legislation and provide a better solution than we have seen in the past. I refer to a couple of points made by previous speakers. The member for Tamworth asked what Labor is doing. We are doing something. That has not happened before, and this problem did not begin overnight. That said, I acknowledge the hardship and the difficult and complex nature of this issue throughout rural and regional New South Wales. Many members have heard me say that I lived in South Dubbo until I was 17. I am very aware of the complexity for rural and regional New South Wales, and the disconnect that happens to young people.
I will go into the legislation in more detail, but one thing stands out and is deeply concerning. Campbelltown is not in rural or regional New South Wales, but it has some very challenged areas. Since I have been privileged to represent my community, I have found that children in more socio‑economically challenged areas get to a T‑junction where they have become disengaged from society and the community. Many family units have broken down. They hit that T‑junction and they can go to the left for good or to the right for bad. But, because of the circumstance they find themselves in, they are disengaged. They will get engaged by one side or the other. Right now, in those challenged areas, the bad is engaging them.
When we talk about the age of criminality and the law, let us be serious: They have already fallen through the cracks when they break the law. I will not pretend that I have all the answers, but what if we, as a Parliament, a society and a community, find a solution so that when those kids hit that T‑junction, they are engaged by good? Then they will not have fallen through the cracks and they may not be before the juvenile justice system. I think that every lawyer around—and I am not a lawyer—would suggest that prevention is the best cure. Indeed, the police and the Attorney General would suggest that as well.
Mr Michael Kemp: We need to be at the T-junction.
Mr GREG WARREN: That is correct. I agree. I acknowledge my colleague the Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Counter‑terrorism, who chairs the Committee on Law and Safety. I am advised that the committee will have its final hearing on Monday. The report will come back with more facts about doli incapax, which will be very interesting to read. In conclusion, the Government will not support the Opposition's foreshadowed amendments. The Attorney General will explain the reasons for that in more detail. This is not Queensland; this is New South Wales. We will have our laws dictated by Queensland. There are other instruments, amendments and changes in other jurisdictions. Those can be considered, but they are not always apples for apples. We need legislation put in place—by a diligent Attorney General and his team—that is consistent with the circumstances in New South Wales. I look forward to the Attorney General's speech in reply.
