Liberal and Greens senators call for age of criminal responsibility to be lifted in wake of youth justice report
Liberal and Greens senators in Australia are calling for the national age of criminal responsibility to be raised to 14. This follows a Senate inquiry that highlighted how inconsistent laws and media reporting negatively impact youth justice outcomes.
Why it matters
The debate addresses systemic issues in the juvenile justice system and the potential for national legal reform to protect children.
Most Australian states and territories set an age of criminal responsibility of 10 years old, with the exception of Victoria (12) and the ACT (14). Photograph: Richard Wainwright/AAP Most Australian states and territories set an age of criminal responsibility of 10 years old, with the exception of Victoria (12) and the ACT (14). Photograph: Richard Wainwright/AAP Australia news Liberal and Greens senators call for age of criminal responsibility to be lifted in wake of youth justice report Incorrect media reporting is leading to inconsistent treatment of children across states and territories, the report found
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