Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced a major overhaul of youth justice laws, introducing a new regime that will see young offenders aged 14 and above face adult sentences for violent crimes such as aggravated home invasion, carjacking, and machete attacks.
Under the Adult Time for Violent Crime plan, offenders in this age group convicted of serious violent offences will be tried and sentenced in adult courts, where penalties are significantly harsher than those available in the Children’s Court.
Premier Allan, joined by Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, said the reforms aim to address growing community concerns about youth violence and ensure stronger consequences for those who commit violent crimes.
“There are too many victims, not enough consequences,” Allan said. “We want courts to treat these violent children like adults, so jail is more likely and sentences are longer.”
Longer sentences, tougher consequences
Currently, only 34 per cent of young people sentenced in the Children’s Court for aggravated home invasion or carjacking receive jail time. In adult courts, that figure rises to 97 per cent.
Under the new framework, anyone aged 14 and above convicted of violent offences such as aggravated home invasion, aggravated carjacking, and intentionally or recklessly causing injury in circumstances of gross violence will face sentencing in the County Court rather than the Children’s Court.
The maximum penalties will also increase dramatically. While the Children’s Court can impose a maximum of three years’ detention for any offence, the County Court will be able to hand down sentences of up to 25 years, and in the case of aggravated home invasion or aggravated carjacking, life imprisonment.
“These changes will mean more violent youth offenders going to jail and facing serious consequences,” Allan said.
Crimes covered under the new regime
The following offences will be included under Adult Time for Violent Crime:
- Aggravated home invasion
- Home invasion
- Intentionally causing injury in circumstances of gross violence (including machete crimes)
- Recklessly causing injury in circumstances of gross violence
- Aggravated carjacking
- Carjacking
- Aggravated burglary (serious and repeated)
- Armed robbery (serious and repeated)
The first five offences will automatically move out of the Children’s Court’s jurisdiction. Other crimes, such as aggravated burglary and armed robbery, may also be referred to the County Court in serious or repeated cases.
Carjacking cases will also default to the County Court unless there are “substantial and compelling reasons” for the matter to remain in the Children’s Court.
To manage the expected increase in adult cases, the government will allocate additional resources to the County Court, including the appointment of new judges to expedite hearings.
Sentencing principles to be reformed
Beyond transferring serious violent crimes to the adult system, the Victorian Government will also revise the sentencing principles guiding the Children’s Court.
Judges will be required to prioritise community safety, consider the impact of offences on victims, and remove the existing rule that jail should be a “last resort” for children.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said this shift will bring the Children’s Court’s approach closer to that of adult courts.
“When child offenders are sentenced in an adult court, most go to jail. Adult courts put more emphasis on victims, violence, and community safety,” Kilkenny said. “There are no easy solutions to youth crime, but we absolutely need serious consequences for violent youth crime to protect the community now.”=
Addressing the causes and consequences of youth crime
While the government acknowledged that prevention remains the best approach, Allan said the new laws are necessary to deter violent acts and reinforce boundaries for young people.
“As parents, we know children always need firm boundaries—not just at home but under the law,” Allan said. “The threat of going to jail helps keep children within the guardrails and teaches them right from wrong.”
Children specifically aged 14 may still be tried in the Children’s Court under “substantial and compelling circumstances,” such as cognitive disabilities.
Broader crime strategy
The announcement forms part of Victoria’s Serious Consequences – Early Interventions plan, a broader effort to curb youth violence through both prevention and tougher penalties. The government has also implemented stricter bail laws, increased police presence, and recently introduced a ban on machetes, making possession of one a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
A Bill to formalise Adult Time for Violent Crime is expected to be introduced to the Victorian Parliament before the end of the year, with the new regime taking effect in 2026.
