Children as young as 10 could face jail with the Northern Territory Parliament last night passing controversial laws to lower the age of criminal responsibility. Source: SBS News.
After the Territory recently became the first jurisdiction in Australia to raise the age to 12, the incoming government has moved quickly to return it to 10.
The Parliament passed three changes to youth justice laws yesterday, including lowering the age of criminal responsibility and criminal provisions for ram raiding and boast-and-post laws.
Under the existing criminal code, a person can be charged for ram raiding a property in the Northern Territory, however, the new legislation could have children as young as 10 sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Labor had raised the age of criminal responsibility without having any programs in place to deal with the fact that 10 and 11-year-olds would no longer be held accountable for their actions.
“We know reverting to a system where it is the judge’s discretion around what to do with a 10- and 11-year-old creates much better opportunities for authorities to intervene early in their lives,” she said.
The controversial laws have come under scrutiny from experts across the nation and internationally in recent weeks, but were passed with the Government’s 17 to seven majority.
Before the vote yesterday, Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci urged the NT Parliament to “proceed with wisdom and proper consultation”.
“I’ve heard concerns from a variety of community members, including Aboriginal Elders and other reflective leaders, about the rapid pace of new legislation,” Bishop Gauci said.
“While I understand the need to address significant challenges in our community, even the best laws must include and engage the people they impact. This isn’t about delaying difficult decisions, but about making them with the respect and consideration they deserve.
“The path of wisdom demands careful reflection, inclusive dialogue, and avoiding decisions that could deepen divisions or lead to unforeseen consequences.
“I encourage our Parliament to proceed with wisdom and proper consultation, tackling urgent issues thoughtfully. Legislation alone isn’t the full solution – we must also focus on long-term strategies that truly benefit all Territorians.”
FULL STORY
Age of criminal responsibility lowered to 10 in Northern Territory (AAP via SBS News)
Call for Wisdom and Consultation: Bishop Charles Gauci on the Urgency of Inclusive Legislation (Darwin Diocese)
