Should it be possible to charge children aged 10 or 11 with a crime?
Age of criminal responsibility
Both houses · 6 votes
Background
The Youth Justice Bill 2024 raised the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12, in force from 30 September 2025, and gave police a power to take 10- and 11-year-olds whose behaviour risks serious harm to a safe place. It also created a separate Youth Justice Act with more warnings, cautions and diversion, and a trial of electronic monitoring on bail for children 14 and over. The Government dropped its earlier plan to raise the age to 14 by 2027.
What each side said
Summarised from the debate in Parliament, with sources below.
For “agree”
Those who wanted to keep the age at 10 said the existing legal presumption already protects young children who do not understand right from wrong, and removing consequences for 10–11-year-olds who do was wrong during rising youth crime: "we believe the 10-year age point is the right one" (David Davis, Liberal, Council). "I do not think this is the time to raise the age of criminality" (Wayne Farnham, Liberal); the Shooters also opposed the change. One Nation and Moira Deeming (now Family First) also voted on this side.
For “disagree”
Supporters of raising the age said children of 10 and 11 lack the maturity to form criminal intent and early contact with the justice system leads to more crime: "10- and 11-year-olds belong in school, not in prison" (Anthony Carbines, ALP, second reading). The Greens, Legalise Cannabis and Animal Justice supported it but wanted the age raised to 14; the Libertarian supported 12.
How the parties voted
Across the linked votes below. Second and third readings count five times as much as other votes. Parties are in alphabetical order. How this is worked out
| Party | Record | Votes with a party position |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Justice | Consistently against | 3 of 3 |
| Greens | Consistently against | 6 of 6 |
| Labor | Consistently against | 6 of 6 |
| Legalise Cannabis | Consistently against | 3 of 3 |
| Liberal | Consistently for | 6 of 6 |
| Libertarian | Consistently against | 3 of 3 |
| Nationals | Consistently for | 6 of 6 |
| One Nation | Consistently for | 3 of 3 |
| Shooters, Fishers and Farmers | Consistently for | 3 of 3 |
The votes behind this question
Each vote (division) recorded in Parliament that this question is based on, in date order.
1 August 2024 · Legislative Assembly
Youth Justice Bill 2024
- Question put
- Question — That the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the question — put.
- Result
- Question agreed to. Ayes 54, Noes 24.
- Matches “agree”
- A No vote
- Weight
- Normal
- Why it's linked
- Assembly reasoned amendment moved by Brad Battin; the question was whether to keep the words "be now read a second time". Aye = reject the amendment (let the bill proceed); agree = No.
| Party | Aye | No | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greens | 4 | 0 | Aye |
| Labor | 49 | 0 | Aye |
| Liberal | 0 | 15 | No |
| Nationals | 0 | 9 | No |
Independents, each counted on their own: Darren Cheeseman (Aye)
Every name (Ayes 54, Noes 24) in the vote of 1 August 2024
Ayes (54)
Juliana Addison, Jacinta Allan, Colin Brooks, Josh Bull, Anthony Carbines, Ben Carroll, Darren Cheeseman, Anthony Cianflone, Sarah Connolly, Chris Couzens, Jordan Crugnale, Lily D'Ambrosio, Daniela De Martino, Steve Dimopoulos, Paul Edbrooke, Matt Fregon, Ella George, Luba Grigorovitch, Bronwyn Halfpenny, Katie Hall, Paul Hamer, Martha Haylett, Sam Hibbins, Mathew Hilakari, Melissa Horne, Natalie Hutchins, Sonya Kilkenny, Nathan Lambert, Alison Marchant, Kathleen Matthews-Ward, Steve McGhie, Paul Mercurio, John Mullahy, Tim Pallas, Danny Pearson, Tim Read, Pauline Richards, Tim Richardson, Ellen Sandell, Michaela Settle, Ros Spence, Nick Staikos, Natalie Suleyman, Meng Heang Tak, Jackson Taylor, Kat Theophanous, Mary-Anne Thomas, Emma Vulin, Iwan Walters, Vicki Ward, Dylan Wight, Gabrielle Williams, Belinda Wilson, Gabrielle de Vietri
Noes (24)
Brad Battin, Jade Benham, Roma Britnell, Tim Bull, Martin Cameron, Annabelle Cleeland, Chris Crewther, Wayne Farnham, Sam Groth, Matthew Guy, Emma Kealy, Tim McCurdy, Cindy McLeish, James Newbury, Danny O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Kim O'Keeffe, John Pesutto, Richard Riordan, Brad Rowswell, David Southwick, Bridget Vallence, Peter Walsh, Jess Wilson
Official record: Votes and Proceedings Nos 80 to 83 (LA-60-083-02)
1 August 2024 · Legislative Assembly
Youth Justice Bill 2024
- Question put
- Question — That this Bill be now read a second time — put.
- Result
- Question agreed to. Ayes 54, Noes 24.
- Matches “agree”
- A No vote
- Weight
- Strong: a second or third reading, counted five times
- Why it's linked
- Second reading (Assembly). Aye = support the bill; agree = No.
| Party | Aye | No | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greens | 4 | 0 | Aye |
| Labor | 49 | 0 | Aye |
| Liberal | 0 | 15 | No |
| Nationals | 0 | 9 | No |
Independents, each counted on their own: Darren Cheeseman (Aye)
Every name (Ayes 54, Noes 24) in the vote of 1 August 2024
Ayes (54)
Juliana Addison, Jacinta Allan, Colin Brooks, Josh Bull, Anthony Carbines, Ben Carroll, Darren Cheeseman, Anthony Cianflone, Sarah Connolly, Chris Couzens, Jordan Crugnale, Lily D'Ambrosio, Daniela De Martino, Steve Dimopoulos, Paul Edbrooke, Matt Fregon, Ella George, Luba Grigorovitch, Bronwyn Halfpenny, Katie Hall, Paul Hamer, Martha Haylett, Sam Hibbins, Mathew Hilakari, Melissa Horne, Natalie Hutchins, Sonya Kilkenny, Nathan Lambert, Alison Marchant, Kathleen Matthews-Ward, Steve McGhie, Paul Mercurio, John Mullahy, Tim Pallas, Danny Pearson, Tim Read, Pauline Richards, Tim Richardson, Ellen Sandell, Michaela Settle, Ros Spence, Nick Staikos, Natalie Suleyman, Meng Heang Tak, Jackson Taylor, Kat Theophanous, Mary-Anne Thomas, Emma Vulin, Iwan Walters, Vicki Ward, Dylan Wight, Gabrielle Williams, Belinda Wilson, Gabrielle de Vietri
Noes (24)
Brad Battin, Jade Benham, Roma Britnell, Tim Bull, Martin Cameron, Annabelle Cleeland, Chris Crewther, Wayne Farnham, Sam Groth, Matthew Guy, Emma Kealy, Tim McCurdy, Cindy McLeish, James Newbury, Danny O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Kim O'Keeffe, John Pesutto, Richard Riordan, Brad Rowswell, David Southwick, Bridget Vallence, Peter Walsh, Jess Wilson
Official record: Votes and Proceedings Nos 80 to 83 (LA-60-083-03)
1 August 2024 · Legislative Assembly
Youth Justice Bill 2024
- Question put
- Question — That this Bill be now read a third time — put.
- Result
- Question agreed to. Ayes 54, Noes 24.
- Matches “agree”
- A No vote
- Weight
- Strong: a second or third reading, counted five times
- Why it's linked
- Third reading (Assembly). Aye = support the bill; agree = No.
| Party | Aye | No | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greens | 4 | 0 | Aye |
| Labor | 49 | 0 | Aye |
| Liberal | 0 | 15 | No |
| Nationals | 0 | 9 | No |
Independents, each counted on their own: Darren Cheeseman (Aye)
Every name (Ayes 54, Noes 24) in the vote of 1 August 2024
Ayes (54)
Juliana Addison, Jacinta Allan, Colin Brooks, Josh Bull, Anthony Carbines, Ben Carroll, Darren Cheeseman, Anthony Cianflone, Sarah Connolly, Chris Couzens, Jordan Crugnale, Lily D'Ambrosio, Daniela De Martino, Steve Dimopoulos, Paul Edbrooke, Matt Fregon, Ella George, Luba Grigorovitch, Bronwyn Halfpenny, Katie Hall, Paul Hamer, Martha Haylett, Sam Hibbins, Mathew Hilakari, Melissa Horne, Natalie Hutchins, Sonya Kilkenny, Nathan Lambert, Alison Marchant, Kathleen Matthews-Ward, Steve McGhie, Paul Mercurio, John Mullahy, Tim Pallas, Danny Pearson, Tim Read, Pauline Richards, Tim Richardson, Ellen Sandell, Michaela Settle, Ros Spence, Nick Staikos, Natalie Suleyman, Meng Heang Tak, Jackson Taylor, Kat Theophanous, Mary-Anne Thomas, Emma Vulin, Iwan Walters, Vicki Ward, Dylan Wight, Gabrielle Williams, Belinda Wilson, Gabrielle de Vietri
Noes (24)
Brad Battin, Jade Benham, Roma Britnell, Tim Bull, Martin Cameron, Annabelle Cleeland, Chris Crewther, Wayne Farnham, Sam Groth, Matthew Guy, Emma Kealy, Tim McCurdy, Cindy McLeish, James Newbury, Danny O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Kim O'Keeffe, John Pesutto, Richard Riordan, Brad Rowswell, David Southwick, Bridget Vallence, Peter Walsh, Jess Wilson
Official record: Votes and Proceedings Nos 80 to 83 (LA-60-083-04)
15 August 2024 · Legislative Council
Youth Justice Bill 2024
- Question put
- 7 YOUTH JUSTICE BILL 2024 — Debate continued on the question, That the Bill be now read a second time.
- Result
- Question agreed to. Ayes 22, Noes 15.
- Matches “agree”
- A No vote
- Weight
- Strong: a second or third reading, counted five times
- Why it's linked
- Second reading (Council). Aye = support the bill; agree = No.
| Party | Aye | No | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Justice | 1 | 0 | Aye |
| Greens | 4 | 0 | Aye |
| Labor | 14 | 0 | Aye |
| Legalise Cannabis | 2 | 0 | Aye |
| Liberal | 0 | 10 | No |
| Libertarian | 1 | 0 | Aye |
| Nationals | 0 | 2 | No |
| One Nation | 0 | 1 | No |
| Shooters, Fishers and Farmers | 0 | 1 | No |
Independents, each counted on their own: Moira Deeming (No)
Every name (Ayes 22, Noes 15) in the vote of 15 August 2024
Ayes (22)
Ryan Batchelor, John Berger, Lizzie Blandthorn, Katherine Copsey, Enver Erdogan, Jacinta Ermacora, David Ettershank, Michael Galea, Shaun Leane, David Limbrick, Sarah Mansfield, Tom McIntosh, Rachel Payne, Aiv Puglielli, Georgie Purcell, Samantha Ratnam, Harriet Shing, Ingrid Stitt, Jaclyn Symes, Lee Tarlamis, Gayle Tierney, Sheena Watt
Noes (15)
Melina Bath, Jeff Bourman, Gaelle Broad, Georgie Crozier, David Davis, Moira Deeming, Renee Heath, Wendy Lovell, Trung Luu, Bev McArthur, Joe McCracken, Nick McGowan, Evan Mulholland, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Richard Welch
Official record: Minutes of the Proceedings Nos. 77, 78 and 79 (LC-60-079-01)
15 August 2024 · Legislative Council
Youth Justice Bill 2024
- Question put
- Enver Erdogan moved, That the Bill be now read a third time.
- Result
- Question agreed to. Ayes 23, Noes 16.
- Matches “agree”
- A No vote
- Weight
- Strong: a second or third reading, counted five times
- Why it's linked
- Third reading (Council). Aye = support the bill; agree = No.
| Party | Aye | No | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Justice | 1 | 0 | Aye |
| Greens | 4 | 0 | Aye |
| Labor | 15 | 0 | Aye |
| Legalise Cannabis | 2 | 0 | Aye |
| Liberal | 0 | 11 | No |
| Libertarian | 1 | 0 | Aye |
| Nationals | 0 | 2 | No |
| One Nation | 0 | 1 | No |
| Shooters, Fishers and Farmers | 0 | 1 | No |
Independents, each counted on their own: Moira Deeming (No)
Every name (Ayes 23, Noes 16) in the vote of 15 August 2024
Ayes (23)
Ryan Batchelor, John Berger, Lizzie Blandthorn, Katherine Copsey, Enver Erdogan, Jacinta Ermacora, David Ettershank, Michael Galea, Shaun Leane, David Limbrick, Sarah Mansfield, Tom McIntosh, Rachel Payne, Aiv Puglielli, Georgie Purcell, Samantha Ratnam, Harriet Shing, Ingrid Stitt, Jaclyn Symes, Lee Tarlamis, Sonja Terpstra, Gayle Tierney, Sheena Watt
Noes (16)
Melina Bath, Jeff Bourman, Gaelle Broad, Georgie Crozier, David Davis, Moira Deeming, Renee Heath, Ann-Marie Hermans, Wendy Lovell, Trung Luu, Bev McArthur, Joe McCracken, Nick McGowan, Evan Mulholland, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Richard Welch
Official record: Minutes of the Proceedings Nos. 77, 78 and 79 (LC-60-079-02)
15 August 2024 · Legislative Council
Youth Justice Bill 2024
- Question put
- Question — That the amendment be agreed to — put.
- Result
- Question negatived. Ayes 16, Noes 23.
- Matches “agree”
- An Aye vote
- Weight
- Normal
- Why it's linked
- Council committee vote on David Davis's amendment No. 1 (DD141C), which he said "relates to the criminal age, and we propose the 10-year age remains" (Hansard, 15 Aug 2024). Aye = keep the age at 10; agree = Aye.
| Party | Aye | No | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Justice | 0 | 1 | No |
| Greens | 0 | 4 | No |
| Labor | 0 | 15 | No |
| Legalise Cannabis | 0 | 2 | No |
| Liberal | 11 | 0 | Aye |
| Libertarian | 0 | 1 | No |
| Nationals | 2 | 0 | Aye |
| One Nation | 1 | 0 | Aye |
| Shooters, Fishers and Farmers | 1 | 0 | Aye |
Independents, each counted on their own: Moira Deeming (Aye)
Every name (Ayes 16, Noes 23) in the vote of 15 August 2024
Ayes (16)
Melina Bath, Jeff Bourman, Gaelle Broad, Georgie Crozier, David Davis, Moira Deeming, Renee Heath, Ann-Marie Hermans, Wendy Lovell, Trung Luu, Bev McArthur, Joe McCracken, Nick McGowan, Evan Mulholland, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Richard Welch
Noes (23)
Ryan Batchelor, John Berger, Lizzie Blandthorn, Katherine Copsey, Enver Erdogan, Jacinta Ermacora, David Ettershank, Michael Galea, Shaun Leane, David Limbrick, Sarah Mansfield, Tom McIntosh, Rachel Payne, Aiv Puglielli, Georgie Purcell, Samantha Ratnam, Harriet Shing, Ingrid Stitt, Jaclyn Symes, Lee Tarlamis, Sonja Terpstra, Gayle Tierney, Sheena Watt
Official record: Minutes of the Proceedings Nos. 77, 78 and 79 (LC-60-079-04)
Sources
- EM
- Second reading (Anthony Carbines (Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention; statement of compatibility and incorporated second-reading speech), 2024-06-19)
- Opposition (Brad Battin (lead; moved reasoned amendment), 2024-08-01)
- Crossbench (Tim Read, The Australian Greens - Victoria (NOTE: not listed in members-assembly-current.json; he speaks for 'the Greens' in the speech))
- Crossbench (Tim Read (Council's amendments; Premier's decision not to raise age to 14), The Australian Greens - Victoria (not in members JSON))
- News: ABC News (2024-08-16); SBS News (AAP) (2024-06-18); The Nightly (2024-06-18)
- Full list: Sources tab (27 items).
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