Media releases Archives - Jesuit Social Services

Bail reform a welcome step in the right direction
- 16 August 2023
The Victorian Government’s introduction of laws to reform the state’s bail system is a welcome step towards ensuring the criminal justice system keeps people who pose no risk to the community away from the harms of the prison system and supports them to reset their lives in community, says Jesuit Social Services.
NT’s raising the age to 12 a positive step, but more progress needed
- 31 July 2023
As the Northern Territory prepares to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years, the Territory Government must now look at the evidence of what works and raise the age to 14, with no exceptions, as soon as possible.
Northern Territory must cool Alice Springs Correctional Centre as part of a just transition
- 28 July 2023
The Northern Territory Government must immediately commit to air-conditioning Alice Springs Correctional Centre as one part of a just transition to reduce the climate change-induced impacts of incarceration on some of society’s most marginalised members, says Jesuit Social Services.
Malmsbury closure means less flexibility in responding to young people
- 15 June 2023
The Victorian Government’s reported decision to close the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, and relocate a number of children and young people to the new Cherry Creek facility, is disappointing and allows less flexibility in the way the state supports young people in trouble, says Jesuit Social Services.
Queensland must to commit to evidence-based justice reform: Jesuit Social Services
- 6 June 2023
While some Australian jurisdictions are taking positive steps towards more humane, evidence-based approaches towards children and young people who have contact with the criminal justice system, Queensland is going backwards with regressive laws that will not support stronger, more cohesive communities, says Jesuit Social Services.
Victorian Budget contains investments to support a fairer justice system
- 24 May 2023
The 2023-24 Victorian State Budget, handed down during a challenging economic period as the state works towards recovering from the pandemic, contains a range of investments to improve outcomes for people who have contact with the state’s criminal justice system, says Jesuit Social Services.
Plan to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 does not go far enough
- 26 April 2023
The Victorian Government’s announcement that it will raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years now and to 14 within four years is at odds with the evidence about children’s brain development and the best way to create strong and cohesive communities, says Jesuit Social Services. ...
Failure to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 a missed opportunity
- 21 April 2023
Media reports today suggest that the Victorian Government will raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12, instead of 14 which has long been advocated for by the community services and legal sectors as well as child welfare experts. If this is the case, it is a missed opportunity for the state...
Positive trends in youth justice must be supported by progress to raise the age
- 31 March 2023
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)’s annual Youth Justice in Australia report, published today, reveals that the number of young people both under community-based supervision and in detention has declined over the past five years. These positive trends must be supported by a...
Victoria’s move to #RaiseTheAge will support children, families and the broader community
- 16 February 2023
Read our media release responding to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrew's announcement the state will move to raise the age of criminal responsibility.

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