UPDATE: The Victorian government has just announced a controversial plan to sentence children as young as 14 years old as adults for serious crimes. This “adult time for violent crime” legislation, set to be unveiled by Premier Jacinta Allan on Wednesday, aims to combat the alarming rise in youth crime across the state.
Victoria is grappling with a surge in criminal offenses, with rates spiking by 15.7 percent in the year leading up to mid-2025. This spike has been driven largely by thefts, home invasions, and a troubling trend of repeat youth offenders. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 1,100 youths aged 10 to 17 were arrested a staggering 7,000 times, highlighting a growing crisis in juvenile justice.
In a social media post, Premier Allan stated, “We’re introducing Adult Time for Violent Crime,” echoing a similar law implemented in Queensland in 2024. The Queensland legislation allows youth offenders to face mandatory life sentences for severe offenses, including murder, with a minimum of 20 years before eligibility for parole.
Critics of the new measures, including former chair of the Law Institute of Victoria’s criminal law section Mel Walker, have condemned the approach as “extraordinary, bad policy and counter-intuitive.” Walker emphasized that many children entering the justice system come from backgrounds of family violence or lack adequate support, questioning the community’s willingness to manage these vulnerable children in adult custody.
“Are we prepared for the consequences when these children are affected profoundly by going into adult custody?” Walker asked during an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne. She pointed out that many children lack the capacity for “consequential thinking,” attributing this to their underdeveloped brains and a deep-seated desire for belonging, which often drives their criminal behavior.
Opposition leader Brad Battin has criticized Premier Allan’s credibility, claiming that the government is merely chasing headlines without a substantive plan to address the issues at hand. “Today’s announcement is the premier chasing another headline with no plan to follow through and deliver,” he stated.
As the government faces mounting public pressure to address rising crime rates, this legislative shift raises significant concerns about the treatment of minors in the justice system and the long-term implications of such policies. Advocates fear that harsh penalties could further entrench youth in a cycle of crime rather than providing avenues for rehabilitation.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Victorian government backing down from a controversial proposal to ban face coverings at protests, reflecting a pattern of swift policy changes under public scrutiny. Premier Allan had initially suggested a blanket ban but adjusted the stance to allow police discretion in removing masks if criminal activity is suspected.
As this developing story unfolds, all eyes will be on the official announcement Wednesday and its potential ramifications on the youth justice system in Victoria. The community remains divided over the best path forward, with many wondering how these new laws will impact vulnerable children and the broader society.
