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

Last week, the Victorian government stunned even its own MPs &ndash; 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 &ndash; 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&rsquo;s taken a sharp turn &ndash; following Queensland and adopting &lsquo;adult time for adult crime&rsquo;.&nbsp; Today, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Waight, on how the Premier&rsquo;s new laws could devastate vulnerable kids &ndash; 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. &nbsp; If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
 Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Nerita Waight
Photo: AAP Image/James Ross

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Why Victoria's youth crime laws won't work

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/e68b34a0-0e87-44cb-ba3f-b398005ba7dd/transcript

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