Following public consultation, the ACT Government claims Canberrans strongly support their reform to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the ACT from 10 to 14 years old.
The ACT Government received 52 submissions on its discussion paper released in June; more than 90 per cent of submissions supported the reform. In response, the ACT Government has published its Listening Report.
The submissions came from peak bodies, advocacy groups, service providers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, academics, ACT Government entities, and community members.
Many submissions spoke of the need for integrated, accessible, and specialised services for children and young people who risked harming themselves or others – an issue also raised by an independent review published in October.
“The ACT Government is committed to this important reform, including putting the integrated support and services in place that these children and young people need to put their lives back on track,” said Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury.
“The submissions echo what we heard in the independent review of the system and its recommendation that any reform close service gaps and provide alternative therapeutic models for children at risk.
“Both the community submissions and the independent review will help inform our legislation to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility, as well as how the service system can be strengthened to support this important criminal justice reform.
“We hope our progress on this issue demonstrates to other jurisdictions in Australia that raising the age is not only the right decision, but there is a practical pathway forward, and it’s supported by the community.”
Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Families and Community Services, said the consultation and independent review confirmed that raising the age of criminal responsibility was the right thing to do, but the implications must be carefully considered.
“This consultation has highlighted the importance of providing children and young people access to holistic and therapeutic supports to address the causes of harmful behaviour,” Ms Stephen Smith said.
“We know that children and young people who come into contact with the youth justice system often have complex lives. While young people need to be accountable for the impact of their actions on others, it is better for everyone if they are supported to address their challenges and diverted from later engagement in the justice system.
“We value the community’s insights through this consultation process. As this vital work progresses, we will continue to work with children, young people and their families, as well as with victims, advocates, legal sector representatives and our non-government partners.”
Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Youth Justice, said this process was essential to involve the community throughout and beyond this legislative reform.
“Everyone in our community should be able to access support when they need it and where they need it,” Ms Davidson said. “Raising the age of criminal responsibility is not just about legislative change, but also ensuring more people receive support for their needs and feel empowered to seek help when they face challenges.
“Through this work, Canberra will become a more supported, accessible, inclusive, and connected community. It truly takes a whole community response to support children and young people so they can have the best possible outcomes as they grow, develop and participate across our city.”
The Listening Report and the submissions can be found on the ACT Government’s YourSay page.
