Youth Justice Bill important first step, but more reform is needed
YSAS welcomes the passing of the Youth Justice Bill in the Victorian parliament’s upper house, bringing the state one step closer to raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12.
YSAS Acting CEO Dom Ennis said it was an important reform that will make Victoria a better place for some young people.
“Children belong in communities and schools, not jails, and this piece of legislation is a first step towards enshrining that human rights principle in Victorian law,” Ennis said.
“We thank the government for listening to the evidence and moving Victoria in the right direction.”
YSAS is also supportive of other elements of the Bill including increased provisions for cautions and diversions and measures to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in prison.
However, we are disappointed the government has backtracked on its promise to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, despite clear evidence that shows the earlier you jail young people, the more likely they are to re-offend as adults.
“This decision is deeply disappointing, and is not guided by expert evidence and advice from Aboriginal, health, legal and human rights organisations who work directly with young people,” Ennis said.
“In particular we stand by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations who were blindsided by this decision that disproportionately impacts Aboriginal children.”
YSAS remains concerned about punitive measures in the legislation, including electronic monitoring of young people on bail, increased police power over 10 and 11-year-olds, and increased powers to transport young people into adult prisons.
We are also concerned about amendments to the Bail Act which give police greater powers to revoke bail and charge young people with a serious offence while on bail.
“At YSAS we’ve seen firsthand how punitive measures have a devastating impact on a young person’s development and further entrench them in the criminal justice system,” Ennis said.
“We will continue to advocate for more funding for crime prevention programs that support young people to develop a new identity outside of crime by strengthening their connections with family, school, community and prosocial activities like sports.
“Investing in trauma-informed, holistic support is the only way we will achieve our collective goal of improving young people’s lives and community safety.”
Talent available for comment: Acting CEO Dom Ennis and CEO Andrew Bruun
Contact: Beth Gibson, YSAS Storytelling and Media Lead, 0417 053 032