Victoria to Introduce ‘Adult Time for Violent Crime’ Laws for Teen Offenders

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Children as young as 14 could soon face adult court trials and life sentences in Victoria under a new state government plan to tackle rising youth crime.

Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed the proposal, titled “Adult Time for Violent Crime,” saying the move would target serious and violent offenders. The laws mirror Queensland’s tough youth justice model introduced in 2024.

The announcement comes amid a 15.7% surge in statewide crime, driven by home invasions, thefts, and repeat youth offences. Police say more than 1,100 youths aged 10–17 were arrested around 7,000 times over the past year.

Critics, however, have condemned the plan as harsh and counterproductive.

Former Law Institute of Victoria chair Mel Walker called it “extraordinary and bad policy,” arguing that many young offenders are victims of trauma, neglect, and family violence themselves.

“They don’t yet have the capacity for adult reasoning,” she said, warning that sending children to adult prisons would cause lasting harm.

Human rights and Indigenous advocates also voiced strong opposition.

Monique Hurley from the Human Rights Law Centre said, “Children deserve care, not cages,” warning the proposal would cause “irreversible harm.”

Nerita Waight, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, criticised the government for “signing away kids’ futures” while claiming to champion reconciliation.

The state opposition, meanwhile, accused the premier of chasing headlines without a clear plan, while the government insists the new laws will help protect communities from violent youth crime.

The announcement follows the government’s decision to soften its proposed protest mask ban, which now allows police to order face coverings removed only if a crime is suspected.

Credit : The Guardian

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