Victoria is about to lift the age of legal accountability from 10 to 12, beneath plans agreed upon by state ministers.
9News understands the Andrews cupboard signed off on the change final evening, with the chance to lift the age to 14 by 2027.
However the change has since been slammed by medical authorities, authorized specialists and Indigenous organisations, who say the transfer to 12 would not go far sufficient.
Lifting the age of legal accountability from 10 to 14 is a "very important measure" wanted to guard the well being and well-being of youngsters, in response to Australia's medical faculties.
The Royal Australasian Faculty of Physicians (RACP) mentioned the transfer to solely elevate it to 12 was "deeply regarding".
"Youngsters beneath 14 years might not have the extent of maturity and cognitive operate to be thought-about criminally accountable," RACP president and paediatrician Dr Jacqueline Small mentioned.
"Elevating the age of legal accountability to 14 years is essential to defending the well being and wellbeing of youngsters and younger individuals liable to incarceration, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids and kids with developmental disabilities."
A parliamentary inquiry handed down in 2022 beneficial that the minimal age of legal accountability be raised to 14 in Victoria with out exception.
Premier Daniel Andrews flagged again in February that he deliberate to carry laws earlier than parliament to lift the age.
It should carry Victoria in step with the Northern Territory and the ACT, which have each dedicated to lift the minimal age of legal accountability above 10 years.
Victorian Aboriginal Authorized Service chief government Nerita Waight mentioned the transfer to 12 was "disappointing".
"The age of legal accountability must be a minimum of 14, with no exceptions," she mentioned.
"The minimal age of detention must be 16.
"It is finally disappointing that the federal government did not have the braveness to observe skilled recommendation and lift the age to 14."
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