The Allan Labor Government continues to push forward with new legislation that will do nothing to address Victoria’s worsening youth crime crisis.
Last night, Labor’s Youth Justice Bill 2024 passed the Legislative Council and will mean any person aged 10 or 11 can never be charged with a criminal offence including aggravated burglaries, stealing cars and murder, or be required to participate in programs aimed at addressing offending behaviour.
Every other person under 18 will now also have unlimited options for cautions and diversions, meaning for repeat offenders the message will be simple – under Labor in Victoria, you can continue to commit crime and get away with it.
The Liberals and Nationals moved amendments to reverse Labor’s weakening of bail laws which has seen violent offenders walk free and in the most tragic circumstances seen innocent Victorians lose their lives. This change was blocked by Labor.
However, the Liberals and Nationals secured amendments to ensure the voice of victims will be heard by confirming victim impact statements can be read in proceedings, an important process for any victim of crime.
Shadow Minister for Youth Justice, Crime Prevention and Victim Support, Brad Battin, said: “The Allan Labor Government failed to put community safety first with its flawed Youth Justice Bill.
“The Bill sends a message that crime is okay and the removal of powers to get young offenders on the right path will only see more Victorians harmed and the cycle of crime continue.
“Instead of giving young offenders unlimited get-out-of-jail-free cards, Labor must fill the 800 Victoria Police vacancies, re-open closed police stations and reverse their funding cuts to crime prevention initiatives.”
Shadow Attorney-General, Michael O’Brien, said: “The simple fact remains, Labor’s bail laws are weaker today than they were in March this year.
“The Allan Labor Government is more interested in ideology than community safety and under Labor’s weak bail laws, the vicious cycle of offend, release and re-offended will only continue.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage our justice system and Victorians are paying the price.”