The Victorian government has announced a new youth justice reform package. The package is punitive in its nature, focused around an “adult time for violent crime” measure for several offences. These include aggravated home invasion, intentionally or recklessly causing injury in circumstances of gross violence, carjacking and serious and repeat aggravated burglary and armed robbery.
Children aged 14 years and over charged with these offences may face an adult court, devoid of the protections of the children’s court system. They will also be subject to significantly longer periods of imprisonment, including life imprisonment for aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking.
Announcing the reforms, Premier Jacinta Allan stated:
