Intro and Conclusion

With ref

With reference to the issue of changing the minimum age of criminal responsibility in NSW, the effects of changes to the law include both positive and negative outcomes for various stakeholders.

This law

This law reform aims to address the current situation where children as young as 10 years old can be charged with criminal offences.

Supporters of

Supporters of the change, such as the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, and Raising the Age campaign, argue that the current law causes harm to children and leads to long term negative impacts on their wellbeing and future.

Meanwhile, opponents

Meanwhile, opponents including the NSW Police Association, Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL), and Far West and Orana regions significantly affected by youth crime are concerned the reform could reduce community safety and accountability.

Overall changing

Overall, changing the minimum age of criminal responsibility in NSW would have significant and complex effects.

It offers

It offers clear benefits by protecting children from the harmful consequences of early criminalisation and addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth in detention.

However it also

However, it also raises important concerns about how serious offences committed by children will be managed, and how community safety and accountability can be maintained.