Video & Podcast

Raising the age of criminal responsibility – a panel discussion

This is a webinar recording of the 'Raising the age of criminal responsibility - a panel discussion' that took place on Thursday 22 October.

In all Australian jurisdictions, the age of criminal responsibility is 10 years. It is one of the lowest ages of criminal responsibility in the world. Last year there were 600 children aged 10-13 in detention in Australia, with 60% being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children.

By maintaining such a low age of criminal responsibility, Australia is failing to meet international human rights standards, is ignoring the scientific evidence on child and adolescent brain development, and is exposing thousands of Australian children to the harmful effects of the criminal justice system each year. Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 would mean that approximately 8,000 Australian young people a year would be spared from harmful and criminogenic experiences that often have life-long consequences.

Panellists:

  • Liana Buchanan, Principal Commissioner, Commission for Children and Young People
  • Anoushka Jeronimus, Youth Director, West Justice
  • Nerita Waight, CEO, Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service

MC:

  • Rob Hulls, Director, Centre for Innovative Justice.