Inside the Chaotic 48 Hours That Led to Vic Labor’s Crime Crackdown
Some ministers threatened to resign if punishments for youth offenders were not tough enough, while others warned they would leave if the measures went too far.
This issue was a persistent burden for Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, growing increasingly difficult to manage. With one year left before the state election and internal Labor polls indicating crime was a rising concern, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny requested her department, two weeks ago, to start developing stricter sentencing laws for youth offenders.
"It was the barnacle hanging around Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s neck. Stubborn, sticky, mounting and, ultimately, debilitating."
The government faced intense pressure from within to balance harsh penalties with fairness, reflecting deep divisions on how to address youth crime.
Summary
The Vic Labor government grappled with internal conflict over youth crime sentencing amid growing public concern, prompting a rapid push for tougher laws ahead of the election.
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