A state government will extend strict youth bail laws, as political opponents pitch a controversial "adult crime, adult time" crack-down on young offenders.
The NSW government on Tuesday announced it will table legislation to extend temporary bail limitations for two more years and introduce a pilot program for at-risk regional children.
The limitation raises the threshold car theft and break-and-enter repeat offenders must meet to receive bail.
Judges must have a higher degree of confidence the young person will not reoffend before they can permit their release.
A statutory review of the laws first two years found they stabilised regional crime rates.
The bail laws were due to expire on October 1 but the legislation would extend them to April 2028.
Attorney-General Michael Daley said the state had more to do in addressing youth crime, but the once-controversial laws were working.
"This is the only way at the moment we can keep the community and the young people safe, by making sure they don't get bailed," he said.
"What I don't want to see is some young person on bail walking straight out of court or out of the police station, stealing a car, wrapping themselves around a tree."
On Sunday, the state coalition pledged it would table so-called adult crime, adult time laws within their first 100 days if elected.
Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane said she believed in tough love.
“(That) means doing everything we can to support young people and put them on the right track. But if you commit a serious adult crime, there should be serious adult consequences,” she said.
The list of serious children’s offences would be expanded to additional, as-yet unspecified crimes, the party vowed.
Tough-on-crime policy platforms have gained popularity in neighbouring states.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli made the approach a core pledge at the state's last election, where his party swept to power.
In Victoria, the Labor government’s “adult time for violent crime” reforms have come into affect, with the opposition vowing to extend the regime to further crimes if elected in November.
Youth Justice Minister Jihad Dib on Tuesday also announced the government would begin a pilot diversions program in Tamworth, northwest NSW, in early 2027.
The $8.4 million program will support children aged eight to 13 who are at risk of offending, including those who have not been charged with an offence.
Mr Dib said the Tamworth program was unique in its emulsion of numerous state agencies and local organisations, and the inclusion of participants' families.
A second pilot site will be announced in coming weeks, while the government will also consult on a mandatory diversion program.
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh warned the government over the weekend the state's regions have "had enough".
