Youthlaw supports Yoorrook Justice Commission‘s recommendations to government and are greatly disappointed in the response from the Victorian government this week.
Fundamental to any positive change is raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14, a return to a presumption of bail for all children, independent police oversight, expansion of Koori courts and a stand-alone indigenous child protection response.
These changes are evidence-based and are the only way to avoid continuing down the pathway of locking up and turning our backs to the needs of Indigenous children. The Commission’s recommendations address ongoing injustice against First Nations people and would benefit all vulnerable children in Victoria.
See further information below:
Victoria government blasted for rejecting truth-telling inquiry’s key recommendations
Victoria Legal Aid’s First Nations Services Director