Open Letter to the Community

From the CEO of the Tasmanian Bike Collective

May 02, 2025​

Dear Tasmanian Community,

The recent discussions surrounding youth crime in Hobart have prompted us to reflect deeply on the most effective ways to address this issue. As the CEO of the Tasmanian Bike Collective, I wish to share our perspective on this matter, grounded in over two decades of experience working with young people in our community.​

1. Detention Does Not Reduce Youth Crime

Evidence consistently shows that locking up young people does not lead to a reduction in youth crime. In fact, it often exacerbates the problem. A Queensland Family and Child Commission report revealed that up to 96% of young offenders reoffend within 12 months of release, with high rates of recidivism observed across all detention centres. Despite youth detention being the most expensive option, politicians continually call on tougher sentencing laws to address youth crime. The report criticises the current system for failing to provide adequate support and services to address the root causes of crime. ​Queensland Family and Child Commission

2. The Need for Restorative, Preventative Measures

The Tasmanian Government's own Youth Justice Blueprint 2024–2034 emphasises the importance of restorative, not punitive, measures. The blueprint advocates for a comprehensive, integrated, and therapeutic approach that prioritises the rights of children, rehabilitation, and breaking the cycle of offending. ​publicdocumentcentre.education.tas.gov.au+2Department for Education+2Keeping Children Safe+2

3. Insufficient Funding for Preventative Programs

Despite the clear benefits of preventative programs, the state government has allocated minimal funding to these initiatives. With 20 years of experience running such programs, the Tasmanian Bike Collective has firsthand knowledge of the challenges in securing sustainable funding. Our efforts to expand and enhance our services are often hindered by limited financial support.​

4. Engaging Disengaged Youth

Currently, the Tasmanian Bike Collective works with over 80 young people every week who are beginning to or already are disengaged from education - this is one of the earliest indicators of future antisocial behaviour.

Research indicates that school disengagement erodes important social bonds and prosocial environments and contributes to increased risk of antisocial behaviour. Donna Adams, Police Commissioner for Tasmania, in an article published by the ABC on Monday 28^th of April said:

"What our research is telling us is that when you have an increase in the non-attendance at school, you will have an increase and a spike in youth crime matters.”

Further investment to empower and re-direct young people when these early indicators appear is critical. ​flosse.dss.gov.au

5. A Call for Action

The Tasmanian Bike Collective calls on the state government to increase funding to preventative and restorative programs backed by evidence-based approaches, as outlined in their own Youth Justice Blueprint. Rather than resorting to detention, we urge the government to invest in providing young people with the opportunities and support needed from a young age to become positive contributors to our community.​

We acknowledge that investing in preventative programs will not solve the immediate challenges our community is facing with youth crime, and we want to be clear that we do not condone the anti-social or criminal behaviour being displayed. However, it is precisely because of decades of underinvestment in preventative and restorative measures that we find ourselves in this situation today.

If we are to truly break this cycle, we must shift our focus from reactive responses to proactive solutions that support young people before they reach crisis point.

We remain committed to our mission of empowering young people for a better future and continue to advocate for the young people we serve. Together, we can build a safer, more supportive community for all.

Sincerely,

Anthony Edler
Chief Executive Officer
Tasmanian Bike Collective

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