An Act to Provide for National Standards on Self-Defence, Youth Justice, and Crime Prevention
Part 1: Preliminary
1. Short Title
This Act may be cited as the Comprehensive Justice Act 2025.
2. Commencement
This Act shall commence on a day to be fixed by Proclamation.
3. Objectives
The objectives of this Act are to:
(a) Establish consistent national standards for self-defence to empower individuals and protect victims of crime;
(b) Reform youth justice systems by enforcing mandatory sentencing for serious offenders while emphasising rehabilitation and prevention;
(c) Strengthen public safety by reducing reoffending through comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs;
(d) Address the root causes of crime through prevention and early intervention initiatives; and
(e) Ensure compliance with Australia’s international human rights obligations.
4. Definitions
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:
- Premises: Includes homes, vehicles, caravans, boats, or any primary living spaces where a person resides or has a legitimate right to be.
- Reasonable Force: The degree of force necessary and proportionate to prevent harm, protect property, or stop a crime, as determined by the circumstances.
- Serious Offence: Includes violent assault, homicide, armed robbery, sexual offences, and gang-related or repeat offences.
- Youth Justice Centre: A secure facility designed to detain, rehabilitate, and educate serious youth offenders.
- At-Risk Youth: Individuals under the age of 18 who, due to socioeconomic, family, or educational circumstances, are vulnerable to engaging in criminal behaviour.
Part 2: Federal Castle Law
5. Right to Self-Defense
(1) A person is entitled to defend themselves, their family, or their property without fear of legal repercussions if:
(a) An intruder forcibly enters or attempts to enter their premises;
(b) The intruder threatens violence, property damage, or theft; or
(c) The intruder is armed, pretends to be armed, or acts in concert with others.
(2) The use of reasonable force, including lethal force, is protected under this Act when used to:
(a) Prevent harm to oneself or others; or
(b) Repel or neutralise a criminal threat.
6. Presumption of Lawful Action
(1) Individuals acting in self-defence are presumed to have acted lawfully unless clear evidence proves otherwise.
(2) This presumption does not apply if the individual:
(a) Provoked or escalated the confrontation unnecessarily; or
(b) Used excessive or reckless force beyond what is reasonable in the circumstances.
7. Expanded Definition of Premises
(1) The right to self-defence applies to homes, vehicles, caravans, boats, and any other space where a person has a legitimate right to be.
8. Inconsistency with State Laws
(1) This Act prevails over any state or territory law that is inconsistent with its provisions under Section 109 of the Constitution.
Part 3: Youth Justice Framework
9. Mandatory Sentencing for Serious Youth Offenders
(1) Youth offenders convicted of serious offences shall receive mandatory sentences as follows:
(a) Violent assault or homicide: Minimum 5 years with mandatory rehabilitation provisions;
(b) Armed robbery: Minimum 3 years with mandatory rehabilitation provisions;
(c) Sexual offenses: Minimum 4 years with mandatory rehabilitation provisions.
(2) Sentences must include mandatory participation in:
(a) Tailored rehabilitation programs;
(b) Vocational and educational training; and
(c) Therapy and counselling services.
10. Community-Based Sentencing for Minor Offenses
(1) Minor offences committed by youth offenders shall be addressed through restorative justice measures, including:
(a) Community service;
(b) Victim restitution; and
(c) Counselling and mentoring programs.
11. Youth Justice Centres
(1) Youth offenders sentenced under Section 9 shall be detained in Youth Justice Centres.
(2) These centres shall provide:
(a) Secure detention;
(b) Comprehensive rehabilitation programs;
(c) Education and vocational training; and
(d) Gradual reintegration support.
12. Judicial Discretion in Exceptional Circumstances
(1) Judges may exercise discretion to deviate from mandatory sentencing if extraordinary circumstances demonstrate that an alternative sentence would better achieve rehabilitation and public safety.
Part 4: Prevention and Early Intervention
13. At-Risk Youth Outreach Programs
(1) The Minister shall establish programs targeting at-risk youth through:
(a) Schools;
(b) Social services; and
(c) Community organisations.
14. Family and Community Support
(1) The Minister shall allocate funding for:
(a) Parenting support programs;
(b) Counselling services for families; and
(c) Mentorship initiatives for youth.
15. Federal Grants for Crime Prevention
(1) The Commonwealth may provide financial assistance to states and territories to implement:
(a) Early intervention initiatives;
(b) Restorative justice programs; and
(c) Rehabilitation and reintegration schemes.
16. Minimum Funding for Prevention Programs
(1) A minimum of 10% of allocated justice funding must support early intervention and prevention programs.
Part 5: Administration and Oversight
17. Independent Oversight
(1) A National Justice Oversight Board is established to:
(a) Monitor the implementation of this Act;
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and Castle Law applications; and
(c) Investigate misuse of self-defence claims or systemic failures.
(2) The Board shall publish an annual report detailing:
(a) Crime rates and trends;
(b) Effectiveness of rehabilitation and prevention programs; and
(c) Recommendations for improvement.
18. Community Representation
(1) The Oversight Board shall include representatives from civil society organisations, community leaders, and victim advocacy groups to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
19. Review of the Act
(1) A review of the operation and effectiveness of this Act must be conducted every 5 years.
(2) The review must consider:
(a) The impact on crime rates;
(b) The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs; and
(c) Community safety outcomes.
Part 6: Compliance with International Law
20. International Law Compliance
(1) The provisions of this Act shall align with Australia’s obligations under international law, including:
(a) The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; and
(b) Other relevant human rights treaties.
Explanatory Notes
This Act provides:
- Clear Castle Law Protections: National self-defence standards to empower victims and deter crime.
- Youth Justice Reform: Balanced measures for accountability, judicial discretion, and rehabilitation.
- Prevention Investments: Comprehensive funding for early intervention to address root causes of crime.
- Independent Oversight: Transparent monitoring and accountability to build trust and deliver measurable results.
