BREAKING: Victoria is set to adopt new legislation that will allow children as young as 14 years old to face adult court sentences for serious crimes. This radical shift, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan, aims to combat the state’s escalating youth crime crisis. The “adult time for violent crime” laws mirror those implemented in Queensland in 2024 and will be formally unveiled on Wednesday.
This proposed change comes amid alarming crime statistics in Victoria, where criminal offenses surged by 15.7 percent in the year leading up to mid-2025. With incidents of thefts and home invasions on the rise, approximately 1100 youths aged 10 to 17 were arrested a staggering 7000 times, as authorities report an increase in extreme violence among minors.
Premier Allan announced the initiative via social media, stating, “We’re introducing Adult Time for Violent Crime,” highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling youth offenders with tougher measures. However, critics are raising concerns about the implications of such laws.
Mel Walker, former chair of the Law Institute of Victoria’s criminal law section, described the youth sentencing changes as “extraordinary, bad policy and counter-intuitive.” In an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne, she questioned the community’s willingness to deal with children in this manner, warning of profound long-term consequences for those affected by adult custody.
Walker emphasized that many children involved in the criminal justice system have faced significant trauma, often stemming from family violence or a lack of support from child protection services. She stated, “There’s a real sense of a want of belonging by a lot of these children,” noting that their ability for consequential thinking is compromised due to their developmental stage.
Opposition leader Brad Battin criticized the premier’s announcement, asserting that Victorians cannot trust her promises. “Today’s announcement is the premier chasing another headline with no plan to follow through and deliver,” he stated, reflecting the skepticism surrounding the government’s approach.
The proposed legislation follows a pattern seen in Queensland, where tougher laws were introduced after a tragic incident involving a teenager fatally stabbing Emma Lovell during a home invasion on Boxing Day 2022. In that state, youth offenders can now face mandatory life sentences for serious crimes, including a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole.
Victorian authorities are under pressure to address the youth crime crisis, which has been characterized by a notable increase in violent offenses. The situation continues to evolve as the government prepares to announce its formal plans.
As the community grapples with these developments, many are left wondering about the long-term impact of sentencing children as adults. The government’s decision is set against a backdrop of recent criticism regarding its handling of other contentious issues, such as the proposed ban on face coverings at protests.
In light of these changes, Victorians are urged to consider the implications of treating young offenders as adults, as the state prepares for a significant shift in its judicial approach. Further updates are expected as the announcement draws closer.
