24 February 2025
The Greens have urged the State Government to maintain its commitment to raising the age of criminal responsibility amid reports in The Advertiser today that it intends to abandon its plans to overhaul the laws.
“It is deeply concerning to hear that the State Government is considering jettisoning their plans to lift the age of criminal responsibility. Far from making our community safer, locking children in detention simply exposes them to trauma and harm, pushing them down a path that often leads to further criminal behaviour,” said Greens Justice Spokesperson Robert Simms MLC.
“Other jurisdictions across the nation are undertaking this vital reform to reduce harm to vulnerable children and make communities safer. ACT raised the age of criminal responsibility to 12 in 2023 and it has committed to raising the age to 14 in the near future. The Malinauskas Government must follow their lead and shift its approach to diversion and rehabilitation programs that will help children get their lives back on track rather than doubling down on incarceration.”
Mr Simms has a Bill before parliament to raise the age of criminal responsibility in South Australia from 10 to 14. In 2022, a petition with more than 11,000 signatures was presented to Attorney-General Kyam Maher in support of the reform.