PUBLIC consultation on the ACT government’s reform to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility has revealed strong support for the change. 

The government received 52 submissions on its discussion paper released in June, with more than 90 per cent of submissions supporting raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 years.

Of the submission made, 19 were from peak bodies or advocacy groups, 11 from ACT service providers, 10 from community members, six from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, three were from academics, and three from ACT government entities.

According to the government, a key theme throughout the submissions was the need for specialised services for children and young people who are at risk of causing harm to themselves or others.

Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury welcomed the public’s input to the reform.

“The ACT government is committed to this important reform, including putting the integrated support and services in place that these children and young people need to put their lives back on track,” Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said.

“The submissions echo what we heard in the independent review of the system and its recommendation that any reform close service gaps and provide alternative therapeutic models for children at risk.”

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