Overview

• The Northern Territory government passed legislation to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10, fulfilling a conservative election promise.
• UN Committee on the Rights of the Child chair Ann Skelton criticized the move as violating Australia's treaty obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro argues the law allows for earlier intervention to support troubled youths, despite opposition from Indigenous leaders and human rights advocates.
• Critics, including National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds, argue the law will disproportionately affect Indigenous children and exacerbate systemic issues.
• Protests erupted outside NT Parliament, with community leaders calling for rehabilitation programs and warning the law will not enhance public safety.