There is certainly a lot more to it than the sensationalist commentators want to admit.
Remember that Australia became a convict settlement because the British criminal system imposed such ridiculously extreme sentences - transportation for stealing a sandwich because you are hungry for example. That extreme system failed and was humanised.
Also ask why people commit serious crimes. There are many reasons, often related to family conflict and breakdown.
For example I know a 10 year old boy who will be lucky to avoid prison by 20. His family life was so bad because of the behaviour of his parents that they have been forbidden by a court from ever having contact with their children again. So that's a magistrate being tough.
This kid is now boiling with anger, has been rejected by foster parents because of his bad behavior and dumped in a group home, where he is running wild. Cuts to support funding mean he is not getting the mentoring needed if he is to ever get his life on track.
How would throwing this kid in juvenile detention help him? It probably won't.
So, my point is, those who say 'lock them all up' should take a look in the mirror of society and ask what went wrong in society to cause them to end up that way.
Kids aren't born criminals - they are made that way. Unfortunately, many families are failing, half of marriages are breaking up, kids are being harmed and these are the results.
Cutting family support services to chase votes is making it worse because it becomes more likely that more people will go off the rails, commit crimes and end up in prison.


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