Proposed sentencing changes that would result in children facing adult courts have been criticised by the Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic).
On 12 November, the state government announced that it planned to introduce legislation that would mean children 14 and above who commit violent crimes face adult sentences in adult courts.
Under the proposed changes, anyone over the age of 14 who commits aggravated home invasion, home invasion, carjacking, aggravated burglary (serious and repeated) or armed robbery (serious and repeated), or intentionally or recklessly causes injury in circumstances of gross violence (includes machete crime) while face adult court, where they could receive a maximum life sentence.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the changes would reinforce that there are serious consequences for violent crime.
“We want courts to treat these violent children like adults, so jail is more likely and sentences are longer,” she said.
“This will mean more violent youth offenders going to jail, facing serious consequences.”
Werribee MP John Lister backed the proposed changes, saying he had spoken with police and victims in the community and advocated to the government for stronger consequences for serious offending.
“This change makes it clear that if you commit violent crime, you will face adult time,” he said.
But YACVic chief executive Mary Nega said the best way to keep the Victorian community safe was to focus on stopping crimes being committed in the first place.
“That means giving children and young people the support to thrive and feel like a valued member of our community, not telling them we have given up on them by sending them to prison for life,” she said.
“All the evidence shows that treating children and young people like adults doesn’t work – it makes reoffending more likely. When young people are supported through the Children’s Court and community-based programs, they are far more likely to turn their lives around.
“We can hold children and young people accountable without destroying their futures. Real accountability means helping them understand the impact of their actions and supporting them – not locking them up and giving up on them. That means tackling the known drivers of crime by investing in housing, education, mental health and community supports – not sending children into adult courts and prisons.”
