In short:
Victoria is cracking down on criminals who post their crimes online. New laws will add extra jail time for offenders who “post and boast.” The move follows a rise in youth crime videos on TikTok and Snapchat.
Criminals who film themselves committing serious offences and share the footage online will face additional jail time under new laws introduced by the Allan Labor Government.
The Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill, now before Victoria’s Parliament, creates a new offence targeting offenders who “post and boast” about serious crimes on social media or messaging apps.
The legislation applies to those involved in crimes such as burglary, robbery, car theft, carjackings, home invasions, violent disorder, and affray. Anyone caught glorifying their involvement—or encouraging others to take part—could face up to two extra years behind bars.
This disturbing footage from Truganina appeared online recently.
“This crackdown alongside our tough new bail laws and machete ban is all about keeping Victorians safe,” says Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny.
The laws come in response to a disturbing trend, particularly among younger offenders, who share videos on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to gain notoriety.
Posting crime content can currently be taken into account during sentencing, but the proposed change makes it a separate crime, carrying tougher consequences.
Importantly, the legislation does not apply to journalists, witnesses or bystanders who are not involved in the offence.
“This backs the work of Victoria Police and sends a clear message—crime isn’t content, it isn’t entertainment, and it won’t be tolerated,” says Minister for Police Anthony Carbines.
This is the latest in a series of measures focused on community safety, including a statewide machete sales ban and tougher bail laws. A full ban on machete possession will come into effect from 1 September.
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