Statement on proposed ‘Adult Time for Violent Crime’ measures for children aged 14 and over
CMY is deeply concerned by the Victorian Government’s announcement that it will introduce a Bill, allowing adult jail sentences for children aged 14 and over, for certain serious offences. While we support efforts to enhance community safety, the proposed ‘Adult Time for Violent Crime’ Bill represents a serious departure from evidence-informed policy and violates human rights obligations.
Research consistently demonstrates that adult sentencing and detention increases youth reoffending rates, undermining the community safety outcomes the Government seeks to achieve. The proposed reforms risk deepening cycles of criminalisation, particularly for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, who already face disproportionate contact with the justice system. Additionally, the changes will place further strain on a system already under significant pressure, and be costly to implement.
Immediate responses from Government should seek to collaborate with young people, families and frontline organisations to design innovative responses that offer a different approach. We cannot solve the issue of youth crime with reactive, short-term solutions. The Government must prioritise sustained investment in early intervention and prevention measures to address systemic inequity, and culturally safe, evidence-based therapeutic responses that address root causes of offending.
We urge the Government to reconsider the proposed legislation which is likely to have devastating impacts on children and young people, and instead focus its efforts on evidence-informed measures proven to reduce reoffending and break cycles of harm.