US EditionChildren aged 14 and above to face adult sentences under Victorian reforms
- This year Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced the Adult Time for Violent Crime bill to increase adult sentences for children aged 14 and older, saying `We want the courts to treat these violent children like adults, so jail is more likely and sentences are longer.`
- Amid rising youth crime, about 1100 youths aged 10-to-17 were arrested 7,000 times as Victoria Police warned of extreme violence; the reforms echo Queensland's 2024 'adult crime, adult time' policy.
- The bill specifies listed offences such as aggravated home invasion and armed robbery will allow adult sentences, removing the last resort rule and raising maximum terms from three to 25 years.
- Police will be able to order mask removal at protests when criminal activity is suspected, with penalties of more than $1000 for refusal and up to three months' jail for assault or intimidation at religious assemblies.
- Experts warn youth-justice experts and academics urge early intervention and trauma-informed care as punitive measures risk worsening offending and detention exposes youths to negative influences and recidivism.
22 Articles
22 Articles
'Courts will treat these children like adults,' promises Allan. A civilised society recognises they're not
Victorian can’t ignore the very real surge in juvenile crime on its doorstep. But Premier Jacinta Allan's 'Adult Time for Violent Crime' bill won't fix anything. The post ‘Courts will treat these children like adults,’ promises Allan. A civilised society recognises they’re not appeared first on Crikey.
Leading barrister says youth crime law reforms will inadvertently lead to an increase in crime
Sweeping reforms to Victoria's youth justice system that will see underage criminals face life in jail for aggravated home invasions and carjackings will inadvertently lead to an "increase in crime", according to a leading barrister.
Jacinta Allan Announces ‘Adult Time for Violent Crime’
Children aged 14 or over who commit violent crimes could face life in prison under Premier Jacinta Allan’s “adult time for violent crime” plan. The new push comes as the Victorian Labor government is facing significant pressure from the Opposition following a spate of fatal machete attacks, violent crimes, and home invasions. The Allan Labor government will introduce legislation to parliament in 2025 to amend the Crimes Act, the Children, Youth …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
