In response to a youth crime wave, the State Government is seeking to force juvenile offenders to face ‘adult time for violent crime’.
It plans to introduce the reforms in a Bill this year.
They will apply to children 14 and over accused of violent home invasions or armed assaults to face the Victorian County Court, rather than the Children’s Court.
According to the Government, this will significantly increase the likelihood of jail sentences as well as increasing their likely periods in jail.
The County Court can impose jail terms of up to 25 years for aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking, and up to 20 years for intentionally causing serious injury through gross violence.
Sentencing in the Children’s Court would also more clearly prioritise community safety and remove the rule of jail being a “last resort”.
Premier Jacinta Allan said “there are too many victims, not enough consequences”.
“We want courts to treat these violent children like adults, so jail is more likely and sentences are longer.
“This will mean more violent youth offenders going to jail, facing serious consequences.”
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said adult courts place more emphasis on “victims, violence and community safety”.
“There are no easy solutions to youth crime, and the best approach is always to stop crime before it starts.
“But we absolutely need serious consequences for violent youth crime to protect the community now.”
Opposition Leader Brad Battin said Allan had “no credibility when it comes to fighting crime”.
“Today’s announcement is the Premier chasing another headline with no plan to follow through and deliver.
“Victoria is in a crime crisis because Jacinta Allan is weak on crime.”
