Children as young as 14 face life behind bars under harsh new punishments opposed by lawyers, Aboriginal advocates and human rights groups.
The legislation, which passed in the Victorian parliament without amendment late on Thursday, means children found guilty of violent crimes could face life sentences for offences such as aggravated home invasion, carjacking and armed robbery.
The move mirrors Queensland’s “adult crime, adult time” laws, introduced after a 17-year-old fatally stabbed mother Emma Lovell during a Boxing Day home invasion in 2022.
Victoria has surging crime rates, with criminal offences spiking 15.7 per cent in the year to mid-2025, fuelled by thefts, home invasions and repeat youth offenders.
"We absolutely need serious consequences for violent youth crime to protect the community now," Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said.
Under the changes, children aged 14 charged for serious offences will have their cases heard in the Country Court.
Leaders and advocates argue the laws lack evidence and will lead to the incarceration of already vulnerable children.
“This festive season, while other kids will be opening up their presents with their families at home, our young people will be behind bars," Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive Nerita Waight said.
Criminal Bar Association of Victoria spokesman Christopher Carr previously stated the best way to prevent children from reoffending was through rehabilitation.
The laws will simultaneously expand the offence of carjacking to vehicles stolen with children under 10 inside.
Such incidents when force is not threatened or used are currently classed as theft of a motor vehicle, which carries a lower penalty.
A standalone knife crime offence has also been introduced, which could land criminals in jail for up to three extra years.
It applies to someone accused of a public knife fight, who would currently be charged with affray but under the plan could also face using a knife to commit an indictable offence.
The "Adult Time for Violent Crime" laws will be fully implemented by the end of February.
