Justice Advocates Criticize ACT Government's Delay in Raising Age of Criminal Responsibility

 The ACT Government's recent decision to delay raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 to 14 has been met with criticism from justice advocates. While the government has tabled a bill to implement the change in July 2025 with some exceptions, medical, legal, and human rights experts have urged for an immediate and unconditional raise to the age of 14.

The delay has been particularly concerning for 12- and 13-year-old children who will continue to be subject to strip-searches, court appearances, and imprisonment until 2025. This has raised significant concerns about the welfare and rights of marginalized children, who are disproportionately affected by the justice system.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury have been criticized for failing to protect vulnerable children and for keeping the age of criminal responsibility at 12 for too long. The delay in implementing the change has been deemed unacceptable by justice advocates, who argue that all children have the right to a fair and equitable justice system.  





Read More at article ; https://www.theworkersrights.com/act-government-delays-raising-the-age-to-14-defying-advice-from-aboriginal-legal-and-human-rights-organizations/