The Victorian Parliament has passed highly contentious new laws enabling courts to impose life sentences on young offenders aged 14 and above, in what the Allan government describes as a decisive response to rising violent youth crime.
The legislation, which underpins the government’s “adult time for violent crime” policy, passed the Upper House without amendment shortly before 6pm on Thursday. It marks one of the most significant sentencing shifts in Victoria in decades, with severe maximum penalties now available for a range of serious offences committed by young people.
Under the changes, judges will be able to order life imprisonment for crimes such as aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking. The sentencing framework also introduces a 25-year maximum for intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, and 20 years for recklessly causing serious injury under similar conditions.
Young offenders who steal cars with children still inside will face penalties of up to 15 years behind bars. Additionally, a range of offences including home invasions and carjackings that do not involve weapons will now be shifted from the Children’s Court to the County Court, where significantly harsher sentences can be imposed.
However, those accused who are aged 14 may still apply—along with prosecutors—to have their matters heard in the Children’s Court. If granted, this could substantially reduce the maximum penalties available.
The laws passed with the full support of the state Opposition. New polling commissioned by the Herald Sun this week shows strong bipartisan voter support, with many Victorians concerned about escalating youth crime.
Despite this, the reforms have triggered alarm among several community organisations, youth advocates and legal experts, who argue the legislation risks criminalising vulnerable children and pushing them deeper into the justice system. The measures have also prompted internal unease within Labor’s own caucus, with some MPs privately warning the government may be “going too far” in its tough-on-crime approach.
The Allan government maintains the reforms are necessary to protect the community and ensure that serious violent offences—regardless of the offender’s age—are met with strong consequences.
