The ACT Legislative Assembly passed a bill to incrementally raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years, in November 2023.
The first increase, to 12 years old, happened on November 22 that year, and the next increase is scheduled for July 1 this year. Under the change, rather than face criminal charges, children and young people under the age of 14 will instead be referred for support to address their behaviour.
But the ACT’s Chief Police Officer Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee told ABC Canberra he anticipates the change will put pressure on police resources.
"I’ve had conversations with government and the other directorates that I have concerns that those services will not be fully in place," he said.
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