- The Crisafulli Government has today unveiled the location for the new Youth Justice School in Cairns.
- Ohana for Youth will deliver the specialised school for high-risk teenagers on youth justice orders to get them back on track and divert them from crime.
- It's one of two new Youth Justice Schools delivered by the Crisafulli Government to fight Labor's Youth Crime Crisis and make Queensland safer.
- Stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation are starting to turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis, delivering a 7.2 per cent drop in the number of victims of crime in 2025.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment and continuing to turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis, with the site for the new Youth Justice School confirmed as the 'Ohana Academy' in Cairns CBD.
It is just one way the Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and delivering programs to break the cycle of crime and prevent the next generation of serious repeat offenders, after crime skyrocketed during Labor's decade of decline.
The 'Ohana Academy' will be based in the Cairns CBD, and is one of two new Youth Justice Schools delivered by Ohana for Youth, as part of a $40 million investment to establish specialised schools that divert youth from crime.
The second site is in Logan Central, with schools designed to support high-risk teenagers (aged 12-17) who are on youth justice orders, including community service orders, police cautions, diversions or bail.
The schools will deliver highly specialised behavioural reform with individual case management, mentoring, family support and parental coaching to help re-engage youth with education, employment and the community.
Students will study a project-based curriculum with specialist teachers and extracurricular activities, with intensive supervision for up to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.
The Cairns Youth Justice School is expected to take referrals and commence enrolments in the second half of this year, subject to national accreditation approvals.
The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer with more police, stronger laws and new early intervention and rehabilitation programs, and has already delivered a 7.2 per cent drop in the number of victims of crime in 2025, compared with the previous year.
Every decision the Crisafulli Government makes is about delivering stronger laws, and programs that reduce crime and victim numbers, unlike Labor who plan to raise the age of criminal responsibility and wind back Adult Crime, Adult Time.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Youth Justice School was another way to turn the tide on Labor's Youth Crime Crisis and reduce victim numbers in Far North Queensland.
"These schools will help keep high-risk teenagers off our streets and out of trouble and put them on the right track by giving them the support and education they need to turn their lives around," Minister Gerber said.
"We know education disengagement is a key driver of youth crime, if we can get more kids staying in school, we can drive down reoffending and have fewer youth offenders and victims of crime in the Far North."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the Cairns Youth Justice School was an important investment to address a decade of Labor's failures in Far North Queensland.
"This community suffered under a decade of Labor's weak laws, but the Crisafulli Government is delivering strong laws and programs like the Cairns Youth Justice School to break the cycle of crime and restore safety to Far North Queensland," Ms James said.
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said Cairns Youth Justice School was a new initiative that would restore safety to the Far North community.
"This school will provide education in a structured, disciplined environment to help keep high-risk teenagers away from crime and heading towards a brighter future," Mr James said.
Founder of Ohana for Youth Aaron Devine said Ohana Academy Cairns will provide an opportunity for young people to belong, grow and thrive.
"This school will provide an environment for young people to re-engage and reconnect with education," Mr Devine said.
"By building accountability, resilience, and capability we empower young people to take responsibility for their journey and realise what's possible in their future."
