Overview
- Cabinet signed off on the reforms on Tuesday, with the government set to introduce the bill this week and push for passage before year’s end.
- The plan moves specified offences by children aged 14 and over into adult jurisdiction, including aggravated home invasion, carjacking, gross‑violence injury, and serious or repeat aggravated burglary and armed robbery.
- Maximum penalties would rise, with aggravated home invasion and carjacking increasing from 25 years to potential life imprisonment.
- Children’s Court sentencing would be refocused to prioritise community safety and victim impact, removing the current presumption that jail is a last resort for serious offences.
- The government points to figures showing children make up 12.8% of offenders yet a large share of robberies and aggravated burglaries, while experts warn harsher detention risks higher recidivism and urge prevention and diversion.