Youth crime trends in Australia for 2024 show a mixed picture across different states and territories. Let’s take a closer look at what is happening across our major states.
National overview of youth crime trends in Australia
The overall youth offender rate increased in 2022-23, rising to 1,847 offenders per 100,000 persons aged 10-17 years. This marked the first increase in the national youth offending rate since 2009-10.
State-by-state analysis of youth crime trends in Australia
Queensland
Queensland reported positive trends in youth crime for the first quarter of 2024:
– A 10.7% drop in overall offences committed by young people compared to the same period in 2023.
– Property offences by youth offenders decreased by 7.8%.
– Offences against the person by youth offenders fell by 14.2%.
New South Wales
NSW experienced a decline in youth diversion and an increase in court actions:
– The youth diversion rate fell from 51% in 2022/23 to 46% in 2023/24.
– Youth court actions increased by 10% (1,060 additional court actions).
– Cautions under the Young Offenders Act fell by 10% (765 fewer cautions).
– Formal warnings decreased by 7% (225 fewer warnings).
Western Australia
As of October 2024, in Western Australia:
- The daily average number of young people in detention was 63.
- 60% of detained youth identified as First Nations.
- All young people placed at Unit 18 identified as First Nations.
Key trends in youth crime trends
1. Recidivism: A significant portion of youth crime continues to be committed by repeat offenders, with some states reporting around a third of youth offenders being proceeded against more than once in a year.
2. Age Distribution: Most youth offenders were aged between 14 and 17 years (80% of youth offenders).
3. Gender: Among young people in detention, 90% were male.
4. Indigenous Overrepresentation: First Nations young people were significantly overrepresented in the youth justice system.
5. Regional Disparities: Crime rates in regional areas tend to be higher than in metropolitan areas, particularly in NSW.
6. Social Media Influence: There’s a growing trend of crimes driven by social media notoriety, especially in Victoria.
Youth crime trends in Australia
These trends highlight the complex nature of youth crime in Australia, with variations across states and different patterns for various types of offences. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions and continued monitoring of youth crime trends.
Read our in-depth analysis on youth crime trends in Australia in 2023.
