Senate Inquiry: Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system
Date published:
22 Jul 2026
“Children aged 10 to 13 belong in school, connected to family, culture and community – not in prison” says Dr Peter Malouf, CEO of the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA).
We're proud to stand alongside AIDA and RACGP in supporting this important joint statement following the Senate Inquiry into Australia's youth justice and incarceration systems.
The evidence presented to the Inquiry reinforces a longstanding consensus among health experts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and advocates: detention does not improve children's health, wellbeing or future outcomes.
Instead, governments must invest in evidence-based, culturally safe, community-led solutions that address the underlying drivers of youth justice involvement and ensure every child has access to the healthcare, support and opportunities they need to thrive.
We thank AIDA for its leadership in bringing this important joint statement together.
The evidence has been heard. Now it's time for governments to act.
Read the joint statement