Thursday, 19 June 2025

Petitions

Age of criminal responsibility

Moira DEEMING (Western Metropolitan) presented a petition bearing 87 signatures:

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the dangers posed by the doli incapax rule, which assumes children aged 10 to 13 do not understand their actions are seriously wrong. This legal gap allows child-on-child abuse cases to go unpunished, leaving victims unprotected. Without reform, young offenders avoid accountability, increasing the risk of repeat offences. Immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable children and ensure justice is served. Measures are essential to protect vulnerable children and prevent further harm in our communities.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to urgently reform the doli incapax rule to ensure that children aged 10 to 13 who commit serious offences such as sexual abuse, are held accountable for their actions by lowering the age of responsibility for serious crimes, introducing mandatory rehabilitation programmes for young offenders, and providing mandatory, free counselling for all victims of child sexual abuse.