Adult Time For Teen Crime

Teenagers aged 14 and above who commit violent crimes such as aggravated home invasion, machete attacks or serious assaults will soon face adult sentences in Victoria’s adult courts under a new state government plan called Adult Time for Violent Crime.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny announced the reform, confirming that a Bill will be introduced to Parliament this year and implemented in 2026. The changes mean offenders aged 14 and over who commit serious violent crimes will be tried and sentenced in the County Court rather than the Children’s Court.

The move comes as parts of Melbourne’s west, including Wyndham, continue to experience youth-related violence, car thefts and aggravated burglaries. Local residents have called for tougher sentencing and greater accountability for repeat youth offenders.

The government says the reform will deliver “serious consequences” for youth offenders and prioritise community safety and victims’ rights. It marks a major shift away from the current youth justice approach where detention is considered a last resort.

Currently, 34 per cent of children sentenced in the Children’s Court for aggravated home invasion or carjacking go to jail, compared with 97 per cent when sentenced in an adult court. Under the new regime, adult sentencing will apply automatically to aggravated home invasion, home invasion, aggravated or reckless injury in circumstances of gross violence, aggravated carjacking, and carjacking.

Aggravated burglary and armed robbery cases will also move to the County Court if they are considered serious or repeated offences. For these crimes, jail terms of up to 25 years will apply — and for aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking, the maximum penalty will rise to life imprisonment.

In limited circumstances, 14-year-olds may remain in the Children’s Court if there are substantial reasons, such as a cognitive disability.

The Allan Government will also change sentencing principles in the Children’s Court, removing the rule that jail is the “last resort” and requiring judges to prioritise community safety and victims’ experiences.

Premier Allan said: “There are too many victims, not enough consequences. That’s why we’re introducing Adult Time for Violent Crime. We want courts to treat these violent children like adults, so jail is more likely and sentences are longer.”

Attorney-General Kilkenny said: “Adult courts put more emphasis on victims, violence and community safety. We absolutely need serious consequences for violent youth crime to protect the community now.”

The reform is part of Victoria’s new Serious Consequences – Early Interventions plan, which includes tougher bail laws, a statewide machete ban and more police on the streets in high-growth areas like Wyndham.