Victoria’s “Adult Time for Violent Crime” Reforms and Youth Crime
The Victorian government has introduced a new youth justice reform package focused on punitive measures. Central to the reforms is an “adult time for violent crime” policy targeting specific offences.
Details of the Reforms
- Applies to children aged 14 and over charged with violent crimes such as aggravated home invasion, intentionally or recklessly causing injury with gross violence, carjacking, and serious or repeat aggravated burglary and armed robbery.
- These children may be tried in adult courts, losing protections granted by the children’s court system.
- Sentences include significantly longer imprisonment terms, with life imprisonment possible for aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking.
Government Statement
Premier Jacinta Allan said: “That means courts will treat these children like adults, so jail is more likely, and sentences are longer.”
Concerns and Criticism
Despite public and media pressure for harsher responses to youth crime, experts warn the reforms:
- Violate human rights obligations.
- Contradict evidence-based research showing long-term harm.
- Are costly to implement.
- Will have lasting, destructive consequences for children and young people involved in the justice system.
These Victorian reforms are part of a wider trend across Australia toward increasingly punitive youth justice policies.
Author’s summary: Victoria’s new youth crime reforms impose harsher adult sentences on young offenders but risk violating rights, contradict research, and causing long-term harm.
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