The public consciousness of Western Australians is that juveniles commit vast amounts of crime. This is accompanied by the public impression that an under-resourced police force is fighting valiantly to do the right thing but is constantly being undermined by "welfare wimps," social workers, and a lenient children's court. Rates of burglary and car theft in Western Australia have been high by national standards. Police car chases and the few escapes from the high-security juvenile detention centers have received a great deal of publicity. By January 29, 1992, a first copy of two draft bills had been prepared to toughen the response to juvenile offenders. The legislation was passed on February 7 to commence on March 9. The legislation is too long and complex to be explained in this paper, but it generally increases the harshness of sentences for juvenile offenders. Although criticized by a number of Federal officials, the legislation has been perceived by the public as "tough" and effective. The official claims of effectiveness, however, are not based in accurate assessments of factors that have influenced crime trends. 16 references