UPDATE: Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan has just announced a controversial plan to impose adult sentences on children as young as 14 for serious crimes, a move that’s sparking significant backlash across the nation. The new “adult time for violent crime” laws aim to address a surge in crime, with reported offenses rising 15.7% in the past year.
Under the proposed legislation, children aged 14 and over who engage in serious offenses such as home invasions, aggravated carjacking, and causing injury will be tried in the County Court. This means that young offenders could face maximum sentences of life imprisonment for crimes like aggravated carjacking and aggravated home invasion. The government plans to introduce these laws to parliament before the end of 2025, although a specific implementation date has yet to be announced.
The initiative echoes policies adopted by Queensland’s government following a tragic incident involving a teenager fatally stabbing a mother during a home invasion in 2022. Premier Allan read a poignant letter from a victim’s family, emphasizing the need for action. “I do apologise and that is why we are taking this action today,” she stated, highlighting the emotional weight behind this decision.
Current statistics reveal that 34% of children are sentenced to jail for aggravated home invasion or carjacking in the Children’s Court, but this number skyrockets to 97% when tried in adult courts. Police Association Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt voiced cautious support for the legislation, stating it recognizes that “consequences count,” but warned that simply increasing penalties might not lead to real change in sentencing outcomes.
Widespread condemnation has emerged from various groups, including lawyers and human rights advocates, who argue that the laws lack evidence-based support. Nerita Waight, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, expressed concern about the disproportionate impact on young Aboriginal people, who are already over-represented in the justice system. She urged for resources to be channeled into early intervention programs instead of punitive measures.
Critics, including the Human Rights Law Centre, have labeled the legislation as a political maneuver lacking genuine effectiveness. “We can’t just lock children and young people away and hope for a safer community,” said Argiri Alisandratos, acting Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People, underscoring the need for a more nuanced approach to youth crime.
The Allan government’s push comes as it prepares for the upcoming elections in November 2026, where crime rates are a key issue. The Greens party criticized the government for adopting “failed policies” from other states, while opposition leaders described the plan as a “watered down” version of Queensland’s strict laws.
As public opinion continues to swirl around these developments, the implications of this legislation will be closely monitored. The government is poised to make this a central focus as it navigates the contentious landscape of youth crime and justice reform.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
