The Victorian Government has just announced new Adult Time for Violent Crime laws
If passed, this would allow children as young as 14 to be tried as adults and even face life sentences.
These laws mirror the “tough-on-crime” policies from Queensland and the Northern Territory that have locked up more children, traumatised more families, and failed to make communities any safer.
This is a significant step backwards for Victoria, once considered a progressive state. The government knows the harm youth detention causes – and that its proposal will disproportionately affect Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and children from diverse backgrounds who already face systemic bias at every stage of the justice system.
Now is the time to remind every MP: children should never be treated as adults in the justice system.
The Victorian Parliament is sitting this week – can we count on you to email your local state representative and urge them to oppose these laws today?
A personal email sends the elected representatives a clear message: the public expects action. It’ll take as little as 1-2 minutes, and we’ve pulled together everything you need.
History shows this reactionary proposal won’t work
The Labor Government must instead invest in evidence-based solutions such as early intervention supports, rehabilitation and community led diversion programs which are proven to prevent youth offending.
All children need support, structure, opportunity and connection to community. Those most at risk of criminalisation often lack these foundations, and it’s up to us to respond as a village and get them back on track.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
Act now or learn more about our human rights work.
