Former Victorian chief magistrate Nick Papas KC has criticised the Victorian Government’s youth crime crackdown, arguing that political slogans such as “adult time for adult crime” will not change how young offenders are sentenced unless the law itself is changed.
Mr Papas said judges and magistrates are required to follow existing legislation, which prioritises rehabilitation for children, regardless of whether cases are heard in higher courts.
He said mandatory detention for young offenders would require significant changes to sentencing laws.
His comments followed the release of a 16-year-old offender who had previously admitted involvement in a major firebombing and later allegedly assaulted an off-duty police officer while serving a youth supervision order.
The remarks come amid growing debate over youth crime in Victoria. Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt criticised the court system, claiming young offenders face insufficient consequences and describing the system as “fundamentally broken.”
Mr Papas, however, maintained that courts can only apply the law as it currently stands.
Source: Herald Sun
