The Victorian Greens have slammed the Victorian Labor government for backflipping on raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14, saying the Premier has shown us what weak leadership looks like, caving to right-wing pressure instead of listening to First Nations communities and expert advice.
The Victorian Labor Government previously committed to raising the age to 14 by 2027, despite the Yoorrook Justice Commission advising the age be raised to 14 immediately. They've now walked back on this promise entirely.
The Victorian Greens say that the decision is a complete betrayal to First Nations communities and that the Premier has ignored the evidence that tells us we should be investing in children's futures and this is what ultimately leads to better community safety.
As stated by the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
"The Premier has today shown us what weak and cowardly leadership looks like, caving to right-wing and tabloid media pressure and betraying First Nations communities. This decision will put more Victorian kids, especially First Nations kids, in prison.
Breaking this promise is completely heartless and a total betrayal to First Nations communities, leaders and experts who have been telling us for years what needs to happen to keep communities safe and keep kids out of prison.
This is a shameful day for Victoria as a state that was once leading the way but is now going backwards. The Labor Premier is walking away from progressive reform at every turn and it's incredibly disappointing and heartless."
As stated by Victorian Greens spokesperson for justice, Katherine Copsey:
"Good policy is based on evidence, and it's incredibly disappointing that Labor is walking away from good policy.
We know that locking kids up isn't what's best for them and it doesn't lead to better community safety - in fact, quite the opposite.
We should be following countries that have actually listened to the evidence and improved community safety, raised the age and invested in programs to keep kids out of prison. Instead, Labor is cutting programs that improve community safety and support at-risk young people, which is a disgrace."
