Deferral of statutory minimum sentences for young people a positive step
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VCOSS and Youthlaw have welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to defer the introduction of statutory minimum sentences for young people aged 16 and 17 to allow for further consultation.
The decision, outlined in its response today to the Sentencing Advisory Council report on statutory minimum sentences, reflects concerns from community and legal advocates about the need for judges to have discretion in sentencing young people.
‘It is critical that judges and magistrates continue to use their expertise and discretion to tailor sentences to the individual circumstances of the offender and the offence to ensure proportionality and parity of sentences,’ said Tiffany Overall, Co-Director of Youthlaw.
‘We welcomed the further expansion of diversion programs in the 2011-12 Victorian State Budget but it is critical that the Victorian Government further enhance such diversionary programs which seek to address the underlying causes of offending behaviour.’
‘The community sector welcomes the opportunity to participate in any consultative processes on this issue. Further consideration must give weight to a rehabilitative focus in dealing with young people,’ said Cath Smith, CEO of the Victorian Council of Social Service.
‘This takes into account their developing maturity and recognises that imprisonment fails to address re-offending and can harm a young person’s prospects of rehabilitation.’ ‘This step reinforces the positive work that is underway as part of the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry, given that about a third of those young people in the youth justice system have a history of involvement in the child protection system,’ said Ms Smith.
Youthlaw and VCOSS welcome the SAC recommendation to allow 18 - 20 year olds to participate in the dual track system, and urge the Government to adopt this recommendation.
The Victorian justice system has a proud tradition of emphasising rehabilitation and diversion. We look forward to working with the Victorian Government to continue to build on these foundations to enhance community safety.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Cath Smith contact John Kelly – M: 0418 127 153Follow the conversation at www.twitter.com/vcoss
VCOSS
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