Children aged 14 and above who commit violent crimes such as machete attacks, home invasions or carjackings will soon face adult sentences in Victoria, with the Allan Labor Government set to introduce its “Adult Time for Violent Crime” reform to Parliament this year.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny announced the sweeping changes on Tuesday, saying the tough new measures will ensure courts treat violent youth offenders like adults — making jail more likely and sentences longer.
“There are too many victims, not enough consequences. That’s why we’re introducing Adult Time for Violent Crime,” Premier Allan said.
“We want courts to treat these violent children like adults, so jail is more likely and sentences are longer.”
Under the reform, offenders aged 14 and above charged with serious violent crimes will automatically face adult sentencing in the County Court instead of the Children’s Court. These crimes include aggravated home invasion, aggravated carjacking, armed robbery, aggravated burglary and machete-related attacks.
Currently, only 34 per cent of children sentenced for aggravated home invasion or aggravated carjacking in the Children’s Court go to jail, compared to 97 per cent when sentenced in an adult court.
The new framework will also lift maximum penalties. The Children’s Court can impose a maximum sentence of three years, while the County Court can issue up to 25 years for aggravated home invasion and carjacking — and under the new plan, these offences will carry a potential life sentence for offenders aged 14 and over.
Attorney-General Kilkenny said the shift reflects the community’s demand for stronger consequences.
“Adult courts put more emphasis on victims, violence and community safety. When child offenders are sentenced in an adult court, most go to jail.”
The government will also reform sentencing principles in the Children’s Court to ensure community safety is prioritised and remove the current rule that jail must be a “last resort” for children.
Victoria’s Opposition has criticised the new youth crime reforms, accusing the government of rushing announcements. Victorian Liberal Party Leader Brad Battin said,
“Labor’s at it again – spinning headlines before doing the work. Today they announced laws they haven’t even written. The arrogance of this Government knows no bounds.”
While the government acknowledged there are no simple solutions to youth crime, Premier Allan said firm boundaries are essential.
“The threat of going to jail for breaking the law helps keep children within the guardrails and teaches them right from wrong.”
The “Adult Time for Violent Crime” Bill will be introduced to Parliament this year and is expected to take effect in 2026 as part of Victoria’s broader Serious Consequences – Early Interventions plan to curb violent youth crime.
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