VACCHO is deeply disappointed and angered by the Victorian Government’s latest ‘Adult Time for Violent Crime’ announcement.

The new policy would allow children as young as 14 to be treated as adults in the court system, continuing a worrying trend from the Victorian Government, which has moved away from its previous commitment to raise the age of criminal responsibility.

The ‘Adult Time for Violent Crime’ approach means children as young as 14 can face adult courts and even life sentences, reflecting a shift toward punishment rather than the early intervention and support our children need.

VACCHO CEO, Dr Jill Gallagher AO says she strongly rejects this punitive approach calling for genuine investment in Community-led, culturally safe, early intervention and support services.

“If the Government truly wants safer communities, it starts with investing in our young people – not locking them away and doubling down on punishment.”

“Pushing our Boorai (children) into adult systems will only deepen this harm and widen the gap the Government claims it wants to close,” Dr Gallagher said.

Aboriginal children in Victoria are already disproportionately represented in the youth justice system, and VACCHO has consistently maintained that keeping children in contact with the criminal justice system only deepens intergenerational trauma and disadvantage.

The Allan Labor Government’s announcement comes despite years of expert advice, international human rights standards, and clear evidence from Community that early intervention works.

VACCHO believes there should be a greater focus and investment in evidence-based trauma informed intervention programs that address the causes of offending behaviour, and providing targeted supports and interventions that reduce, rather than increase, the likelihood of reoffending.