Imprisoning kids and calling it “tough love” is a cruel, ill-informed election promise from the Carroll Labor government
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is deeply disappointed by the Carroll Labor government’s punitive and unimaginative election commitment, which prioritises locking children and young people in detention for low-level offending over investing in the supports that keep them connected to family, community, culture and Country. Rather than demonstrating the courage to invest in evidence-based, […]
Our children deserve futures, not life sentences
VALS condemns the Justice Legislation Amendment (Community Safety) Bill 2025, which removes critical safeguards for children and reflects a deliberate disdain for the rights of children. The Allan Labor government’s blatant disregard for the rights of children will be remembered as a shameful, careless injustice on our kids today, and for future generations to come. […]
Boundaries are one thing Premier, giving children life sentences shows Victoria is a cruel and unforgiving state
VALS strongly condemns the Victorian government’s introduction of inhumane youth legal reforms which will see tougher sentencing laws including children being sentenced to life. It is clear the government holds no hope for young people who make mistakes and instead require targeted support at a critical time to change the trajectory of their young lives. […]
Primary school aged children still held criminally responsible, hardly the headline of a progressive government.
Aboriginal children should grow up with their family in safe and nurturing homes, connected to their culture and community, be supported to go to school, and learn from their mistakes so they can thrive. Today the Youth Justice Act 2024 will commence – meaning the criminal age of responsibility in Victoria has risen from 10 […]