African youth, most notably those of South Sudanese heritage, are over-represented in the criminal justice system in Victoria. In 2024, African youth account for about 50% of young people in custody in Victoria, up from 4% in 2012.
After introducing a 1,000-page Youth Justice Bill into parliament in June, Victoria was set to become the first state in Australia to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 (2024), and then 14 (2027).
However, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has retreated from an earlier commitment to raise the age to 14. Victoria Police are backing the premier’s decision. The government will keep its promise to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12.
