Wednesday 12 June 2024
Labor in denial over youth crime crisis
The Allan Labor Government remains in denial about the extent of Victoria’s youth crime crisis.
This is despite new data showing Victorian youths breached bail 2770 times last year – the equivalent of one breach every three hours.
In March this year the Allan Labor Government weakened bail laws by abolishing the offences of breaching bail conditions and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.
Later this year, Labor plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12, further weakening laws tackling youth offending.
Shadow Attorney-General, Michael O’Brien, said: “Labor only has a plan to cover up youth offending, not a plan to tackle it.
“Abolishing bail offences and raising the age of criminal responsibility will manipulate the crime statistics but that won’t keep Victorians safe.
“With a State Budget that cut funding for crime prevention programs, Labor has clearly given up on its primary responsibility – to keep Victorians safe.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage the justice system and Victorians are paying the price.”