May 02, 2023
Let’s go with the science – raise the age of criminal responsibility and invest in rehabilitative and therapeutic responses for young people now
Last week, the Victorian Government announced it would raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years in 2024, and to 14 years by 2027 with exceptions for some offences. Although progress has been made, it is important to note this falls short the international standard and medical advice.
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April 26, 2023
Raising the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough
The Andrews’ Government has announced that the age of criminal responsibility in Victoria will be raised from 10 to 12 years old by late 2024, with no exceptions, and made a commitment to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years old by 2027, with exceptions for certain serious crimes. The Federation of Community Legal Centres urges the Victorian Government to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 with no exceptions immediately.
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April 14, 2023
Statement on bail law reforms
The Federation welcomes the Victorian Government's commitment to overhauling Victoria's bail laws, and urges for the legislation of Poccum's Law.
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February 01, 2023
Smart Justice for Women: response to the Coroner’s findings into the death of Veronica Nelson
Warning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers: This statement contains references to a deceased person.
On Monday, Coroner Simon McGregor delivered his findings from the Inquest into the death of proud Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Veronica Nelson, who died in custody at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre after being refused bail for minor offences. While alone in her cell as her health deteriorated and she lay dying, her calls for help were repeatedly ignored by prison staff.
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August 10, 2022
Advocating for young people
When we think of the law, we often think it is the domain of adults, of those over the age of 18 who are most likely to be impacted and need support from legal professionals.
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