Victorian Government's Child Sentencing Bill Draws Widespread Condemnation

Proposed Legislation Targets Youth Offenders

The Victorian Allan Labor government has unveiled a controversial new bill, dubbed 'Adult Time for Violent Crime,' which proposes significant changes to how young offenders are sentenced in the state. Under the proposed legislation, children aged 14 and above who commit certain violent crimes could be tried in adult courts and face adult sentences, including the possibility of life imprisonment for serious offenses.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny announced the reforms, stating that the aim is to deliver 'serious consequences' for children committing 'brazen, violent crimes' and to address rising crime rates. The government cited a 15.7 per cent spike in criminal offenses in the year to mid-2025, fueled by thefts, home invasions, and repeat youth offenders. The bill would also remove the principle of 'jail as a last resort' for children and mandate that judges prioritize community safety in sentencing decisions.

Advocates Denounce 'Inhumane' Reforms

The proposed bill has triggered immediate and widespread condemnation from a broad coalition of legal and human rights organizations. Groups including the Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC), the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), Liberty Victoria, the Law Institute of Victoria's criminal law section, the Victorian Bar, and Amnesty International have voiced strong opposition.

Critics argue that the reforms are 'inhumane' and a 'moral failure,' warning they will deepen inequality and disproportionately harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Monique Hurley, Associate Legal Director at the HRLC, stated that the laws would condemn young people to 'irreversible harm' rather than rehabilitation, emphasizing that 'children deserve care, not cages and adult prison sentences.' Organizations highlighted that the bill breaches Victoria's own Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and international conventions on child rights, which recognize that children are not fully formed adults and require age-appropriate treatment.

Comparison to Queensland's Laws and Broader Context

The Victorian government's move mirrors 'adult time for violent crime' laws implemented in Queensland in 2024, a policy that has also faced significant criticism. This development comes shortly after Victoria raised the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12, a step that many advocates felt did not go far enough, pushing instead for an increase to 14 years old in line with international standards.

Legal experts and advocates contend that punitive approaches, such as those proposed, have been shown to increase the likelihood of re-offending and fail to address the root causes of youth crime. They urge the government to invest in evidence-based solutions, including early intervention, rehabilitation, and community-led diversion programs.

The bill is expected to be introduced to the Victorian Parliament before the end of 2025, with the new laws anticipated to take effect in 2026. The debate is set to intensify as legal and human rights groups continue to lobby against the proposed changes.