Community is Everything - Youth Justice in Vic

Community is Everything - Youth Justice in Vic

The Victorian Government has just announced new Adult Time for Violent Crime laws. If passed, this would allow children as young as 14 to be tried as adults and even face life sentences.    

This is a significant step backwards for Victoria, once considered a progressive state. The government knows the harm youth detention causes – and that it's proposal will disproportionately affect First Nations children and children from diverse backgrounds who already face systemic bias at every stage of the justice system.
  
A phone call is personal, it cuts through the noise and it sends the elected representatives a clear message: the public expects action. It’ll take just five minutes and we’ve pulled together everything you need - key talking points and the right contact for maximum impact. 

The Victorian Government has just announced new Adult Time for Violent Crime laws. If passed, this would allow children as young as 14 to be tried as adults and even face life sentences.    

This is a significant step backwards for Victoria, once considered a progressive state. The government knows the harm youth detention causes – and that it's proposal will disproportionately affect First Nations children and children from diverse backgrounds who already face systemic bias at every stage of the justice system.
  
A phone call is personal, it cuts through the noise and it sends the elected representatives a clear message: the public expects action. It’ll take just five minutes and we’ve pulled together everything you need - key talking points and the right contact for maximum impact. 

Call Your Vic MP Now!

Notes & tips:  

  • It’s more likely that a staff member will answer your phone call, rather than your MP. Be kind and clear. They’ll want to take notes on why you are calling to clearly pass on the message.  

 

Talking Points: 

Introduction

  1. Hi, my name is (Your Name), and I’m a local constituent from (your suburb) and an Amnesty International Australia supporter.  
  2. I’m calling today to express my deep concern about the Victorian Labor Govenment’s ...

Notes & tips:  

  • It’s more likely that a staff member will answer your phone call, rather than your MP. Be kind and clear. They’ll want to take notes on why you are calling to clearly pass on the message.  

 

Talking Points: 

Introduction

  1. Hi, my name is (Your Name), and I’m a local constituent from (your suburb) and an Amnesty International Australia supporter.  
  2. I’m calling today to express my deep concern about the Victorian Labor Govenment’s proposed Adult Time for Violent Crime Laws, and to urge (MP’s Name) to make a representation to the Premier, calling her to abandon this regressive reactionary proposal. 

Key Talking Points: 

  1. These laws are a violation of human rights: Treating children who’ve broken the law the same as adults only creates more harm and could constitute violations of Australia’s international obligations to uphold the human rights of children. 

  2. These laws don’t make communities safer: These laws mirror the “tough on crime” policies in QLD and NT that have locked up more children, traumatised more families, and failed to make communities safer. 

  3. We need evidence-based solutions: Evidence shows that children who are caught offending need care and rehabilitation. They need to be diverted from the criminal system, not sentenced to life inside of it. We need to invest in evidence-based solutions like early intervention supports and community-led diversion programs that are proven to prevent youth offending.    

  4. Click here for more inspiration for talking points.

Personal notes – (if you would like to share!)

  • This issue matters to me because (share briefly—e.g. you believe in human rights for all, you have family or friends affected, etc).  

Closing Ask  

  • Could you please pass this message on to (MP’s Name), and ask them to make a representation to the Premier, calling her to abandon this regressive and reactionary proposal? 

  • Thank you for your time today. 

Make your call count, tell us how it went

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