Queensland’s Staying on Track and Regional Reset programs represent a $225 million investment in youth justice rehabilitation and early intervention. While these initiatives have the potential to reduce youth reoffending and support at-risk youth, their success depends on who receives the funding. If large organizations dominate the grants, a significant portion could be absorbed by administrative costs and bureaucracy, rather than directly reaching young people and community-based solutions.

This blog explores how community-led approaches and Indigenous-led solutions provide more effective and long-lasting alternatives to the punitive measures currently driving youth justice policy.

Brodie Germaine, founder of BG Fit, is transforming youth empowerment in Queenslands Lower Gulf.