Victoria’s proposal to send 14–17 year olds into adult courts ignores international law, expert evidence and decades of failed policy. Rehabilitation, not punishment, is what reduces future harm.

The proposed “Reforms” announced by the Victorian Premier and Corrections Minister using the catch phrase, “Serious Consequences Early Interventions”, and proposing 14 -17 year olds who commit serious crimes be tried in Adult Courts, is contrary to the UN Children’s Human Rights Law, which requires that child offenders be treated in a way that considers their age and promotes rehabilitation not just punishment.

Key principles include keeping children separate from adults and that imprisonment should be........

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