This review of the incarceration of children in Australia received numerous submissions and released a substantive interim report before being unable to further progress its inquiries due to the calling of the 2025 Federal election. No public hearings were held or evidence taken from interested stakeholders and people with lived experience of Australia's youth justice system. This final report recommends that the Senate take note of the interim report and re-refer the inquiry in the new Parliament.

Interim report recommendations

1. The Senate continues to pursue an inquiry into the incarceration of children in Australia given the significant and disturbing evidence received.
2. The Senate considers whether to refer to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References an inquiry into Australia’s child justice and detention system, with particular reference to the Commonwealth’s responsibilities as they relate to:
   • the incarceration of children, including the disproportionate incarceration of First Nations children
   • compliance with international obligations relating to the detention of children
   • responding to the recommendations of the National Children’s Commissioner’s report entitled ‘Help way earlier!’: How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing
   • any other related matter.