Victoria to raise age of criminal responsibility to 12 in Youth Justice Bill.
Victoria is set to become the first Australian state to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 as part of a new Youth Justice Bill, lifting it from 10. Police will be allowed to use "limited force" on 10 and 11-year-olds but cannot arrest or charge them. The bill aims to reduce youth offending, increase safety, and provide opportunities for young people to turn their lives around. It follows the Northern Territory and ACT raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12 and 14, respectively.
June 18, 2024
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