Minister Corrects Statement on Youth Crime Statistics

In a session marked by parliamentary scrutiny over governmental communication practices, Hon Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, sought to clarify an earlier statement regarding youth crime statistics. During the oral question period on February 13, 2025, she addressed a misrepresentation in her response concerning the levels of youth crime.

Minister Chhour initially stated that "youth crime was at an all-time high." However, upon seeking leave for a personal explanation, she clarified that her remarks pertained specifically to serious and persistent youth offending. This adjustment was supported by data from the Ministry of Justice's latest youth justice indicators report, which traces records back to 2013-14.

The clarification highlighted the importance of accurate representation in governmental statements, especially on sensitive issues such as crime statistics. The debate that followed touched on the need for precise language and context when presenting statistical data to ensure public understanding and trust.

While no formal votes were recorded during this session, it served as a vital reminder of the ongoing dialogue between government accountability and transparency. The discussion emphasized how critical accurate data contextualization is in shaping informed policy decisions and maintaining public confidence.