The Victorian government has launched a severe crackdown on criminal gangs, announcing that adults who recruit children into violent crime could now face life imprisonment.
Harsher Penalties for Gang Recruiters
Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny revealed the tough new measures on Thursday, stating the government would significantly increase maximum penalties for those who draw children into gang activity.
The current maximum sentence of 10 years for recruiting a child to commit a violent offence will jump to 15 years under the proposed legislation. However, the most severe punishment is reserved for those who recruit children to commit serious violent offences.
Adults recruiting children for crimes like aggravated home invasions or aggravated carjackings could face life in prison, reflecting what the government calls the 'serious harm' gang recruitment causes communities.
Targeting the 'Evil Puppet-Masters'
Premier Allan delivered a strong condemnation of those who exploit children for criminal purposes. 'If you introduce children to a life of violent gang crime, you are evil,' Allan stated.
She emphasized that recruiters aren't just endangering communities and harming innocent victims in their homes and on the street — they're committing a form of child abuse.
The Premier also addressed the broader context of youth violence, noting that 'children are getting exposed to shocking violence online every day.' However, she made clear this crackdown specifically targets the adult organizers.
'This is not about an excuse for violent children. They'll face serious consequences with Adult Time For Violent Crime,' Allan said. 'This is about targeting the evil adult puppet-masters pulling the strings.'
Broader Youth Justice Reforms
This announcement comes just one day after the Victorian government confirmed plans to introduce adult sentences for children convicted of serious violent crimes. That separate reform means children as young as 14 could face life behind bars for the most severe offences.
Both measures represent a significant hardening of Victoria's approach to youth crime and gang violence. However, the legislation still needs to pass through Parliament, meaning Victorians shouldn't expect any changes to take effect until next year.
The government's dual approach indicates a strategy that holds both young offenders and the adults who exploit them accountable, with the latest measures specifically designed to dismantle the recruitment pipelines that bring children into criminal networks.
