Ex-detective hammers Victorian government plan to lift age of criminal responsibility
A former detective says the Victorian government's bid to raise the age of minimum criminal responsibility is "sheer lunacy" and warns it could lead to a crime spike.
The cabinet on Monday approved a plan to lift the minimum age from 10 to 12, without exception.
This will increase to 14 by 2027.
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Former detective Charlie Bezzina has blasted a decision by the Victorian government to raise the age of criminal responsibility. 9News
But while it brings Victoria closer in line with international standards, the plan has its critics.
Private investigator and former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina said even at 10, the children "know what they're doing".
"It is not a situation where you get the first time offender that goes to jail," Bezzina told Today.
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The age of responsibility will be lifted from 10 to 12. 9News
"These courts are not incarcerating first-time, second-time and third-time offenders."
Bezzina said that in 2022, figures showed that 800 12-year-olds had been charged with crimes.
He warned that a change to the current legislation could lead to a "spike" in crime, with older offenders recruiting young children for illegal activities.
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Critics say it could lead to a spike in crime. 9News
"Children are more mature - the 12-year-old of today is not the 12-year-old of yesterday," Bezzina said.
He called on the government to provide more resources and support to Victoria Police to help engage with at-risk youths.
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