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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Australian Associated Press, Adeshola Ore and Andrew Messenger

Victoria’s proposed ‘adult time’ plan to impose life sentences on children condemned by advocates

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan speaks to media
The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, says her government plans to increase sentences for youth offenders under a plan she describes as ‘adult time for violent crime’. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

Victoria’s proposed laws that would allow children as young as 14 to be sentenced as adults has been condemned by human rights, Indigenous and legal experts, advocacy groups and experts.

On Wednesday, the Allan Labor government announced it would adopt “adult time for violent crime” laws, mirroring the approach implemented by Queensland’s Liberal-National government after its election victory in 2024.

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