MEDIA STATEMENT – Children need our protection not our jails

4 December 2025

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission expresses deep concern about the Justice Legislation Amendment (Community Safety) Bill 2025 - “violent crime adult time” – that is currently before Parliament that will expose children to adult prison sentences for certain violent offenses.    

Treating children as adults is inconsistent with well-established evidence on child development, is disproportionate to the circumstances of youth offending, and undermines Victoria’s commitment to protect the rights of our children. It is also inconsistent with international human rights standards on the treatment of children, where imprisonment can only be used as a measure of last resort, and for the shortest period of time.    

“These changes are unlikely to reduce crime in the long term but are likely to have a significant impact on First Peoples, racialised communities and children with mental health issues who are already overly represented in our detention centres”, said Commissioner Allen.    

More children going to prison and for longer sentences would see Victoria walk away from its commitment to ensure the best interests of the child as the primary consideration in all decision making. The changes to sentencing principles will apply to all youth offending, not just violent crimes, and will remove the focus on rehabilitation as the most effective way to reduce reoffending. The Government has acknowledged its bill is incompatible with human rights.     

The harmful impacts of these changes could be felt for years to come.  Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights requires age-appropriate justice responses that promote well-being and rehabilitation. We call on the Government to consider alternative ways to address youth offending that are compatible with the Charter and the right of children to treatment that is in their best interests.   

The Commission recognises that everyone should feel safe in their homes and as they go about their daily life. However, punitive measures that expose more children to longer periods of incarceration is not the way.  

Children who get involved in crime are often victims of violence, neglect and abuse themselves. They need our care and compassion, not our prisons.   “Preventative measures recently announced that would divert children and young people away from crime need to be rolled out immediately to communities most at risk – and the bill should be reviewed after 2 years to assess its impact”, said Commissioner Allen. 

For enquiries email: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au