Last week, the Victorian government stunned even its own MPs – announcing laws that will allow children as young as 14 to be tried in adult courts and face life sentences.

The proposal was rushed into Cabinet with no warning – ministers were given just minutes to read it before the meeting began.

Only a year ago, Labor promised to raise the age of criminal responsibility. Now, in response to tabloid outcry, it’s taken a sharp turn – following Queensland and adopting ‘adult time for adult crime’. 

Today, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Waight, on how the Premier’s new laws could devastate vulnerable kids – and what it says about the kind of state Victoria is becoming in a time of Treaty.

Daniel James has worked with the First People's Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian government on Treaty-related matters.

 
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Guest: CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Waight

Photo: AAP Image/James Ross