Victoria will move to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 within four years, the state government has announced.
Last week, the ABC revealed the government planned to raise the age from 10 to 12 — drawing criticism from youth justice advocates, who said there was already ample evidence to support raising the age to 14.
Today, the government announced the youth justice reform would take place incrementally, with legislation to be introduced later this year to lift the age to 12 next year.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said more work needed to be done after that to further lift the age to 14.
There are significantly more offences by 12 and 13-year-old offenders.
Ms Symes said the aim was to lift the age to 14 by 2027, but could not put a date on when legislation to do that would be introduced — the next election is in November 2026.
The government faces a potential challenge pushing the laws through the upper house, with the Greens wanting an immediate move to 14 and the opposition labelling any rise unnecessary.
Crime Statistics Agency data
Age |
Number of alleged incidents in 2022 |
|---|---|
|
10 years |
65 |
|
11 years |
184 |
|
12 years |
800 |
|
13 years |
1,734 |
|
14 years |
3,099 |
She said the policy was designed to keep children out of the justice system.
“When very young children engage in harmful behaviour, we know that something has gone terribly wrong in their life,” she said.
“We need to respond effectively and compassionately whilst still making sure they’re accountable for their actions.
“This important reform is a careful and considered first step towards making sure fewer children are entering the criminal justice system and ensuring the safety of all Victorians.”
Source: abc.net.au
