Victoria’s new “Adult Time for Violent Crime” laws have officially come into force, marking a major shift in how the state deals with serious youth offending — while the Allan government also flags tougher sentencing settings for sexual violence and expanded early intervention to stop gang recruitment.

Under the reforms, children aged 14 and above who commit specified serious violent offences — including aggravated home invasion and carjacking — can be sentenced in adult courts and face adult penalties.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the changes are designed to strengthen community safety, increase the likelihood of jail for violent offending, and ensure tougher sentences where warranted.

“Under Adult Time for Violent Crime, the chance of jail is stronger, and sentences are longer,” the Premier said.

“There are no easy solutions to youth crime, and the best approach is always to stop crime before it starts.”

“But we absolutely need serious consequences for violent youth crime to protect the community now.”

What changes under the law

Previously, most young offenders were dealt with in the Children’s Court, where the maximum custodial sentence that could be imposed was three years, regardless of the offence.

Under the new framework, eligible offenders aged 14 or older can now be sentenced in adult courts, including the County Court, where maximum penalties are far higher. For example, the County Court can impose a jail sentence of up to 25 years for aggravated home invasion and carjacking.

The government argues that adult courts place a stronger emphasis on community safety and victims, and that violent offenders sentenced as adults are more likely to receive custodial terms.

Early intervention to stop gang grooming

Alongside tougher sentencing, the Premier has highlighted prevention measures aimed at stopping young people from being drawn into criminal networks.

Allan said Victoria’s Violence Reduction Unit is working with Think Village to intervene early and disrupt what she described as gang grooming and recruitment tactics targeting young people.

“We’re intervening early through our Violence Reduction Unit to stop gangs from grooming and recruiting young people into a life of crime,” Allan said.

She said the partnership includes efforts to educate parents on recognising the tactics used by criminal groups attempting to exploit children.

‘Good character’ references to be scrapped in sentencing

In a separate but related law-and-order push, Allan also flagged a move to scrap so-called “good character” references in sentencing, arguing they can retraumatise victim-survivors — particularly in cases involving sexual violence.

“If you commit a crime like rape, you don’t have good character,” she said.

“And you don’t deserve glowing references. That’s why we’re scrapping so-called ‘good character’ references in sentencing.

“Because too often, victim-survivors are forced to sit there and listen to excuses — letters praising the very person who harmed them. As if being a ‘good bloke’ cancels out the violence you perpetrate.

“It doesn’t. And it won’t anymore.”

The Premier said the justice system should not protect the reputation of offenders at the expense of victims.

“Our justice system should never retraumatise victims to protect the image of offenders,” Allan said.

“We’ll always stand with victims of crime and make it clear: violence has consequences and your safety comes first.”

Debate over impact

Supporters of the tougher approach argue the reforms respond to community concerns about violent youth offending and repeat home invasions and carjackings.

However, youth justice advocates have previously warned that shifting children into adult courts can reduce rehabilitation opportunities and may increase the risk of reoffending.

The Allan government maintains the reforms strike a balance — combining tougher consequences for serious violence with early intervention designed to prevent young people from entering criminal pathways in the first place.

With the laws now active, any eligible youth aged 14 or older who commits a specified violent crime from 12:01 am Friday, 27 February can face sentencing under the adult court system.

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