Melbourne:  The Victorian government has announced a major overhaul of its youth justice laws, proposing changes that would allow children as young as fourteen to face adult court and even life sentences for the most serious violent crimes. The plan has drawn strong reactions across the state, with the government defending the move as necessary for public safety while experts and advocates warn it could cause long term harm.

Under the proposal, young offenders accused of crimes such as aggravated home invasion, armed robbery, aggravated carjacking and violent assaults involving weapons could be sent to the County Court instead of the Children’s Court. This shift would open the door to adult level penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment in extreme cases.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the changes were meant to respond to what she described as a rise in serious youth crime. She said too many families had suffered because of violent incidents and that the community expected firm action. The government also wants to give judges more room to impose tougher sentences by reducing the focus on detention as a last resort for children.

The plan is part of a broader effort to target repeat violent offenders and break what the government calls a cycle of escalating behaviour. Alongside the sentencing changes, the state also plans to introduce harsher penalties for adults who recruit or manipulate children into committing crimes.

However, the proposal has faced strong criticism from youth justice groups, legal experts and community advocates. They argue that treating children like adults in the justice system could increase reoffending, expose vulnerable young people to greater harm and place them at risk if they end up in adult facilities. Several groups also warned that disadvantaged and Indigenous children would be affected the most.

Human rights organisations have called the plan a step backwards, saying international evidence shows that harsher punishment for children rarely reduces crime and often leads to worse outcomes. They are urging the government to focus on prevention, rehabilitation and support services instead of heavier punishment.

The government is expected to introduce the bill to parliament later this year, with the new laws likely to come into effect in 2026 if approved. The debate is expected to intensify as community groups, legal bodies and political leaders continue to voice concerns about how the changes will shape the future of youth justice in Victoria.