SA’s new ‘Street Gangs’ Law
South Australia has just passed new laws aimed at “street gangs” that defence advocates worry will prejudice young people, Indigenous Australians and criminalising social behaviour.
What the New Street Gangs Law Does
The Criminal Law Consolidation (Street Gangs) Amendment Bill 2025, which passed Parliament last week, gives police and courts new powers to target and control street gangs.
A “street gang” is now legally defined as “any group of three or more people” whose purpose includes committing or supporting serious criminal activity and who pose a risk to public safety.
Under the new law:
The Commissioner of Police can apply to the Supreme Court to officially declare a group a “street gang.”
Once declared, individuals linked to the group can be placed under Street Gang Control Orders (SGCOs), restricting where they go, who they associate with, or how they communicate.
Recruiting someone into a gang is now a criminal offence — with tougher penalties if the person recruited is under 18.
Breaching a control order can result in serious fines or imprisonment.
The government says these laws fill a gap between organised-crime laws (like those targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs) and the newer, looser networks of youth street groups.
Concerns About the Law
Community and legal advocates have warned that the Bill could unfairly affect young people and Indigenous Australians, who may be caught up in police surveillance or group association rules without committing serious offences.
Others argue that the law risks criminalising social behaviour or friendships that don’t actually involve organised criminal activity. The Government maintains that strong safeguards are in place, and that police and courts will focus on groups genuinely linked to serious violence or drug crime.
The Opposition’s “One-Strike” Youth Crime Plan
At the same time, the South Australian Liberal Party has announced a new youth crime policy that would make it harder for young offenders to get bail. Under their “One-Strike Bail Law” proposal:
Young people who breach bail or reoffend could face an automatic presumption against being granted bail again.
There would be tougher penalties for repeat youth offenders and for breaches of court-ordered conditions.
The plan is designed to respond to community concerns about “soft” treatment of young offenders.
Critics say the plan could lead to more young people being detained unnecessarily, instead of being supported through diversion or rehabilitation programs.
What It Means for the Community
Together, the new laws and proposals signal a major shift in how South Australia handles youth offending and community safety. For the public, this means:
Police powers are increasing, particularly around association and movement.
Courts will have stronger tools to restrict repeat offenders and declared gang participants.
Young people could face much stricter conditions for bail and association — even before conviction.
For those accused of gang involvement or facing youth-crime charges, it’s more important than ever to get legal advice early. Understanding your rights and the limits of these new powers can make a big difference to the outcome of your case.
If you or someone you know is affected by these new laws — or needs advice about bail, control orders, or youth charges — please access legal advice as soon as you can.
This OYBlog was created with AI assistance based on the following sources: ‘Criminal Law Consolidation (Street Gangs) Amendment Bill 2025’, ‘Go directly to jail: Lib’s tough ‘one-strike’ bail rule pledge’