Children to be sentenced as adults under new state laws

Controversial "adult crime, adult time" youth justice laws have been passed by Queensland's Liberal National government.

WHAT THE LAWS MEAN

* Children as young as 10 face the same maximum sentences as adults for 13 offences

* An expert panel will consider if any further offences should be added

* Juveniles face life sentences for five offences including murder, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm

* Maximum sentences for murder and manslaughter change from 10 years to a mandatory life term

* The laws double maximum sentences for children found guilty of burglary, serious assault of a police officer, carjacking and robbery from seven to 14 years

* The legislation removes detention as a last resort entirely, meaning magistrates will have more freedom to imprison children if they deem it necessary

* A child's criminal history will carry over into adulthood and can be considered by judges in sentences

* Media, victims' families and representatives will have greater access to Children's Court matters and cannot be subject to an exclusion order

* Juveniles can be named in exceptional court proceedings if they have committed one of the "adult crime, adult time" serious offences

* Queensland's Human Rights Act will need to be overridden for a third time due to the new laws

WHAT THEY SAID:

"Queenslanders voted for change, and victims drove that change. Today, we're delivering on our promise to ensure that change happens by Christmas" - Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, who led a successful youth crime election campaign

"We are here today for the victims. These laws can't come quick enough and I'm just happy to be part of this government to make that change" - Liberal National Party MP and victim of crime Russell Field

"The kids are the sacrificial lamb in this" - Selena Walters from youth group Fearless Towards Success

"We will be creating adults who are more likely to offend and this undermines the intent of the bill, which is to create a safer Queensland" - Garth Moran, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak CEO

"A society that treats its children in the same way that it treats its adults is a society that's lost its way" - Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall