From 2026, children aged 14 and over who commit serious violent crimes in Victoria will face adult sentencing under a new plan announced by Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny.
The Adult Time for Violent Crime initiative covers offences such as aggravated home invasion, carjacking, intentional injury through gross violence and armed robbery. The government says the changes will ensure stronger consequences for violent young offenders and improve community safety.
“Courts will treat these violent children like adults, so jail is more likely and sentences are longer,” Ms Allan said.
“There are too many victims, not enough consequences.”
Currently, only about one-third of young offenders sentenced for serious violent crimes in the Children’s Court receive jail time, compared with 97 per cent in adult courts. The new laws will also allow life sentences for the most serious offences. Ms Kilkenny said adult courts provide greater focus on victims and community safety, and extra judicial resources will be provided to fast-track cases. Some 14-year-olds may still be tried in the Children’s Court in exceptional circumstances, such as cognitive impairment.
The reforms form part of the government’s broader Serious Consequences – Early Interventions agenda, which also includes tougher bail laws, a police overhaul and a statewide ban on machetes.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin criticised the announcement, saying no legislation yet exists to support the policy.
“Premier Jacinta Allan leads a government of announcements, not achievements,” Mr Battin said.
“This is an insult to every victim of crime waiting for action.”
He pointed to several recent violent incidents as evidence of what he calls a growing crime crisis, urging “a fresh start” with a government that backs words with action.
The government says legislation will be introduced ahead of the 2026 rollout.
