STATES AND TERRITORIES

In 2013-14, the youth offender rate, as measured per 100,000 persons aged 10-19 years, was highest in:

• Northern Territory (7,241); and
• South Australia (4,392).

Western Australia had the lowest youth offender rate in 2013-14, at 1,588 offenders per 100,000 persons aged 10-19 years. Between 2012-13 and 2013-14, the youth offender rate decreased in all states and territories except the Northern Territory and South Australia, where it increased by 2,393 offenders (49%) and 219 offenders (5%) respectively. (Table 12)



Sex

Male offenders accounted for a larger proportion of youth offenders than females across all states and territories, ranging from 78% of youth offenders in South Australia and the Northern Territory to 70% in the Australian Capital Territory. The Northern Territory had the highest male youth offender rate at 10,735 offenders per 100,000 males aged 10-19 years and the highest female youth offender rate at 3,354 offenders per 100,000 females aged 10-19 years. (Table 8)

Principal offence

For youth offenders in 2013-14, the most prevalent principal offence in each state and territory (as measured by the offender rate per 100,000 persons aged 10-19 years), was:

• New South Wales - Theft (1,314);
• Victoria - Theft (574);
• Queensland - Illicit drug offences (800);
• South Australia - Public order offences (1,201);
• Western Australia - Acts intended to cause injury (292);
• Tasmania - Public order offences (1,335);
• Northern Territory - Acts intended to cause injury (1,430); and
• Australian Capital Territory - Public order offences (427). (Table 12)