Raising the age of criminal responsibility

Please join us for a panel discussion on what is an important issue now and for future generations.

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 include:  

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

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  • Rob Hulls, Director, Centre for Innovative Justice

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information