Criminals who upload footage or messages bragging about serious offences on social media will face up to two years’ extra behind bars under landmark legislation introduced today by Victoria’s Allan Labor Government.
The Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill 2025—introduced into Parliament by Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny—creates a standalone offence for anyone who “posts and boasts” about their involvement in specified crimes.
The measure targets content celebrating or encouraging offences such as affray, burglary, robbery, car theft, carjacking, home invasion and violent disorder, whether committed individually or as part of a wider gang.
“Victorians are outraged by offenders posting and boasting about their crimes— that’s why we’re taking action,” Attorney-General Kilkenny said.
“This crackdown, alongside our tough new bail laws and machete ban, is all about keeping Victorians safe.”
Under the new offence, anyone found guilty of a serious crime who also publishes social-media content praising or inciting it will face up to two years’ additional imprisonment, on top of any sentence for the underlying offence. The legislation expressly includes ringleaders or facilitators, closing loopholes that allow organisers to escape extra penalties.
“These laws back the work of Victoria Police and send a clear message to offenders—crime isn’t content, it isn’t entertainment, and it won’t be tolerated,”
said Minister for Police Anthony Carbines.
Responding to “Clout Chasing”
In recent years, police and community groups have sounded the alarm over a dangerous “clout-chasing” trend on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, where young offenders film violent stunts or home invasions as proof of “street cred.” Victoria Police data shows dozens of copycat break-ins and assaults every year closely mimic footage circulated online, rehashing trauma for victims and normalising violent behaviour.
Until now, courts could treat boastful social-media posts as an aggravating factor at sentencing. The new bill elevates such conduct to a discrete offence, bringing Victoria in line with emerging international precedents that clamp down on performance-style crime.
Third parties—including journalists, witnesses, bystanders and first responders—are explicitly exempt from prosecution, ensuring legitimate reporting, commentary or bystander footage remains protected.
Building on Broader Reforms
The “post and boast” offence forms part of a broader strategy to bolster community safety:
- Tougher bail laws: Already in force, targeting repeat violent and sex-offence allegations with stricter remand criteria.
- Machete ban: From 1 September, private ownership of machetes will be outlawed under an Australian-first prohibition.
- Further bail changes: Additional legislative enhancements will be tabled later this year to refine police and court powers.
“Together, these measures send a powerful message: we will disrupt the cycle of violence, from the moment a weapon is procured to the instant someone tries to turn violence into viral fame,”
Ms Kilkenny said.
What Happens Next
Having passed its first reading in the Legislative Assembly, the bill will proceed to debate and committee stage, with cross-bench and Opposition feedback expected in the coming weeks. If enacted, Victoria will become Australia’s first jurisdiction to criminalise the modern phenomenon of performance crime, reflecting growing concern about social media’s role in glorifying violence.
“There is no pride in crime,” Minister Carbines concluded.
“Offenders who seek likes and followers by celebrating their worst deeds will now face real consequences—on top of the sentences they already deserve.”
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