Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has issued a powerful and direct plea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging him to put political self-interest aside and immediately establish a Royal Commission into the nation's youth crime crisis.
A National Crisis Demanding National Leadership
In a compelling opinion piece, Zempilas argues that the escalating problem of youth crime and juvenile justice is a national issue that transcends state borders and requires a coordinated, federal-level response. He contends that only a Royal Commission possesses the necessary authority, resources, and independence to thoroughly investigate the root causes and deliver workable, evidence-based solutions.
The Lord Mayor's call comes amid growing community concern and frustration across Australia, with many feeling that current state-based approaches are failing to protect the public or rehabilitate young offenders. Zempilas emphasises that this is not a problem isolated to Western Australia or any single jurisdiction, but a pervasive social challenge affecting urban and regional communities alike.
Ten Compelling Reasons for a Royal Commission
Zempilas outlines a clear and concise ten-point case for why the Prime Minister must act. His reasons focus on the unique capacity of a Royal Commission to cut through political blame-shifting and deliver a unified national strategy.
Firstly, he states that a Royal Commission would provide a comprehensive national overview, identifying systemic failures and successful interventions from all states and territories. This would prevent a piecemeal approach and ensure best practices are shared nationally.
Secondly, it would have the power to compel evidence from all relevant agencies, experts, and stakeholders, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Zempilas also highlights the commission's ability to examine the complex interplay of factors driving youth crime, which may include:
- Failures in the child protection and family support systems.
- The impact of substance abuse and mental health issues.
- Gaps in education, employment, and social services.
- The effectiveness of current policing, judicial, and detention models.
Furthermore, he argues that a federal Royal Commission would depoliticise the issue, moving it beyond the cycle of state-level finger-pointing and short-term announcements. It would create a platform for genuine, long-term policy reform based on facts, not rhetoric.
An Urgent Call for Prime Ministerial Action
Zempilas directly challenges Anthony Albanese to demonstrate leadership. He asserts that the Prime Minister has a moral obligation to act in the national interest, prioritising community safety and the future of young Australians over political calculations.
The opinion piece serves as a stark reminder that community patience is wearing thin. Families, businesses, and victims are demanding concrete action and accountability from all levels of government. Zempilas positions the Royal Commission not as another bureaucratic inquiry, but as an essential first step towards restoring public confidence and creating a safer, fairer system.
In conclusion, Basil Zempilas's argument is a clarion call for a reset on youth justice policy. By laying out ten logical and compelling reasons, he makes the case that only a nationally-led Royal Commission can provide the roadmap needed to address this deep-seated crisis. The ball, he makes clear, is now firmly in the Prime Minister's court.
