Our website uses Cookies - by using this site or closing this message you're agreeing to our Terms & Conditions, Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy
xAustralia urged to raise age of criminal responsibility to protect children’s rights
Date: 25th June 2025
Category:
Special protection measures
Australia’s re-elected Labor government is being urged to take national action to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14 years old. The move is seen as essential to protecting children’s rights and preventing long-term harm.
In a letter to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, Human rights watch criticised the federal government for stepping back from its earlier commitment to work with states and territories on this issue. Currently, most parts of Australia allow children as young as 10 to be arrested, charged, and imprisoned.
Before the May 2025 election, the Labor Government had said it supported reform, but now argues the issue is mainly for state and territory governments to decide. This marks a shift from their previous 2022 promise to lead change. Human Rights Watch highlighted the serious harm prison causes to children, including cases of solitary confinement and even deaths in detention. While few children are jailed under federal law, a national move to raise the age would send a strong message to all parts of Australia.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child recommends that countries set the minimum age at 14, as younger children are still developing mentally and emotionally.
Human rights watch is urging the government to act on recommendations made in a 2024 report by the National Children’s Commissioner and protect children’s rights by reforming the youth justice system.
The organisation is urging the government to act on recommendations made in a 2024 report by the National Children’s Commissioner and protect children’s rights by reforming the youth justice system.