The Hub Stands Against Harmful Youth Justice Reforms

Indigenous Law and Justice Hub Stands Against Harmful Youth Justice Reforms in Victoria

The Indigenous Law and Justice Hub opposes the Victorian Government’s proposed “Adult time for violent crime” youth sentencing reforms, now introduced through the Justice Legislation Amendment (Community Safety) Bill 2025. These reforms represent a significant and deeply concerning step backwards in youth justice, disproportionately endangering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

The Hub proudly joined more than 100 organisations in endorsing Smart Justice 4 Young People’s Open Letter to the Premier, urging the government to abandon these regressive measures. The broad coalition of legal, community, health, and human rights organisations reflects the widespread concern about the harm these reforms will inflict.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Federation of Community Legal Centres, Human Rights Law Centre and Youthlaw have also prepared a detailed Statement of Advice to the Victorian Government, outlining the serious risks in the Bill and the urgent amendments required to mitigate harm. This Statement reaffirms what affected communities have been saying for years: that punitive approaches do not create community safety - support, prevention, and culturally grounded intervention do.

The Indigenous Law and Justice Hub echoes the call for the government to withdraw the Bill or, at minimum, implement the changes identified in the Statement of Advice.

Now is a critical moment to stand with young people, protect their rights, and commit to evidence-based, culturally safe justice policy. The Hub remains steadfast in advocating for a system that upholds the safety, dignity, and futures of all children.