Youth crimes could become public in Vic

Criminals in Victoria could have their childhood convictions made public.

The state government says if it's re-elected it will change the law to allow the publication of serious youth offences for people who go on to commit serious offences as adults.

Attorney-General Robert Clark says current restrictions are aimed at allowing a young offender to make something of their life, without that stain on the public record.

"However, if a person goes on to commit a further serious crime as an adult, they have shown they have forfeited the opportunity they were given, and the community is entitled to know the full picture about their serious criminal record," Mr Clark said in a statement.

"Adults who commit serious crimes should no longer be entitled to have their past crimes hidden from the public," he said.