The WA Government’s proposed “post and boast” laws sound tough – but they won’t make our communities safer. Instead, they’ll punish kids, chill political expression, and push more people into the criminal justice system without addressing the root causes of offending.
WAJA’s View
The WA Justice Association (WAJA) has written to MPs across the state calling for the Criminal Code Amendment (Post and Boast Offence) Bill 2025 (WA) (Bill) to be scrapped or, at lest, substantially amended. This Bill is by far the broadest and most punitive of its kind in Australia – and it’s completely out of step with evidence-based policy.
“There is no evidence that ‘post and boast’ laws deter crime. They’re based on vibes, not on evidence,” says WAJA Founder, Tom Penglis. “These proposed laws will ‘widen the net’ and lead to more kids and adults in prison, without acting as an effective deterrent.”
Why We’re Concerned
Unprecedented Overreach – The Bill covers an extraordinarily broad range of offences, including minor property, public order, and protest-related offences.
Threat to Free Speech – Sharing videos of peaceful protest and political advocacy could be criminalised, including those that are simply “offensive”. This risks silencing legitimate political communication in WA.
No Evidence, All Harm – Decades of research shows that harsher penalties don’t prevent crime. Other states’ versions of these laws haven’t worked – they’ve only swelled prison numbers, especially in youth detention.
The Bigger Picture
These laws won’t stop so-called “crimfluencers” – but they will sweep up kids for attention-seeking behaviour, disproportionately impact Aboriginal people, and chill free speech across the State. WA should be investing in prevention, diversion, and community-based programs that actually reduce crime and keep people safe.
Our Call to Action
WAJA is urging the Government to drop this Bill in its current form, or at the very least, narrow its scope, protect private communications, exempt peaceful protest, and reduce the maximum penalties.
“The Government should abandon this Bill. But if the Government is committed to targeting so-called “crimfluencers”, then they can – and should – amend the Bill to reflect that,” says Tom Penglis. “This is not a scare campaign. It’s a dangerous precedent in a liberal democracy.”
Join us in calling on WA politicians to reject this overreaching, ineffective law and invest in strategies that actually make our communities safer.