Sisters Inside has strongly opposed the Queensland government's "Making Queensland Safer" Bill, describing it as harmful to children, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

The organisation criticised the legislation during a public hearing of the Justice, Integrity, and Community Safety Committee.

Sisters Inside chief executive Debbie Kilroy said the Bill disregards decades of frontline knowledge about what works in the justice system.

"This legislation does not protect children; it violates their fundamental rights," Ms Kilroy said.

She emphasised the Bill disproportionately targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, perpetuating systemic racism and undermining community safety.

"A society that turns its back on the most vulnerable sacrifices its own humanity and justice," she added.

Tabitha Lean, a member of the Sisters Inside National Network, accused the government of exploiting a fabricated youth crime crisis to justify punitive measures.

"These laws fail Queenslanders—they fail children—and they fail the state's commitment to justice and equity," she said.

Ms Lean also criticised the consultation process, describing it as rushed and inadequate.

She argued that the process avoided scrutiny and ignored evidence showing that punitive measures do not work.

"The public would recognise the devastating impact of these proposals—not just on individual lives, but on the perception of Queensland as a fair and just society," she said.

Both Ms Kilroy and Ms Lean highlighted the failures of punitive justice approaches.

They pointed to evidence showing that incarceration entrenches cycles of harm, particularly for Aboriginal children.

"This Bill uses racial gendered violence to obliterate the human rights of children and young people," Ms Lean said.

Sisters Inside called for investment in community-based alternatives, citing the success of their Yangah program.

Over the past financial year, the program supported 97 girls, 70 of whom were First Nations.

Only 12 of these girls returned to prison, with eight in state care.

Ms Kilroy argued that such programs offer culturally safe and holistic support, which breaks cycles of harm and reduces reoffending.

She urged the government to abandon the Bill, warning that its passage would harm children and Queensland's international reputation.

"If this legislation proceeds, Queensland will need to be held accountable on the global stage for violating children's rights," Ms Kilroy said.

Sisters Inside and the National Network pledged to continue opposing policies that prioritise punishment over care.

"This legislation is not about justice; it is about cruelty and control," Ms Kilroy said.

"Queenslanders deserve better."