Thursday, 13 November 2025

 Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Attorney-General, Minister for Planning) (14:11): Right now there are too many victims and not enough consequences. That is why, building on the significant reforms we have already made to keep communities safe, the Allan Labor government will ensure tougher consequences for those children who are committing brazen, violent crimes. Under adult time for violent crime, children charged with serious violent offences will face adult courts and adult sentencing, where jail is more likely and sentences are longer.

But we are not stopping there. According to Australia’s intelligence agency, did you know that one of the main drivers of this violent offending being committed by children is organised crime? Organised crime gangs are recruiting children to do their dirty, violent work. Just last week the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission released its latest report, and frankly the commission’s words should focus the minds of all of us. Children are increasingly being recruited by serious organised crime gangs for acts of extreme violence. It is being seen here in Victoria and Australia and is part of a growing international trend. This is a new and evolving pattern of exploitation.

The Chief Commissioner of Police has been outspoken on this emerging threat, and it is why we are acting. We will immediately increase the maximum penalty for recruiting children to 15 years across the board, and we will go further, introducing a new aggravated offence carrying a maximum sentence of life in jail for adults who recruit a child to serious and violent offending. And what is the Liberal Party’s response to all of this?