The legislation will require amendments to the Crimes Act, the Children, Youth and Families Act and the Youth Justice Act.<\/p>\n
The latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows criminal offences across Victoria are at record highs. Recorded offences rose by more than 15 per cent in the year ending June 30, an increase of 86,587.<\/p>\n
Youth crime has also surged<\/a>, with 25,206 alleged incidents involving children aged 10\u201317 years in the same time period. This is up from 22,172 incidents the year prior, 19,340 in 2023 and 15,964 in 2022.<\/p>\n Four of the five fastest-growing crimes are theft: stealing from cars, theft of cars, shoplifting and broader robbery offences.<\/p>\n Loading<\/p>\n The issue has become a political headache for the Allan government and a key weapon for Opposition Leader Brad Battin, who has repeatedly accused Labor of being weak on crime<\/a>. Following the stabbing attacks that left 12-year-old Chol Achiek and 15-year-old Dau Akeung dead in September, Battin used question time in state parliament to ask: \u201cPremier, how has it come to this under your government?\u201d<\/p>\n This week\u2019s announcement follows the Allan government\u2019s backdown on increasing the age of criminal responsibility, tightening bail laws to make it easier for children to be remanded and banning the sale and possession of machetes.<\/p>\n Allan also confirmed her government would not pursue a blanket ban on masks at protests<\/a>, as revealed by The Age, after receiving advice it would be vulnerable to constitutional challenges.<\/p>\n Under the proposed changes, to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday, police will be able to request someone remove a face mask if they reasonably suspect a protester is committing or about to commit a criminal offence.<\/p>\n Penalties of more than $1000 will apply for those who refuse a direction, though exemptions can apply for medical, cultural and religious reasons.<\/p>\n Police already have the power to direct anyone wearing a face mask for any reason where they have declared a designated area.<\/p>\n Public display of symbols of proscribed terrorist groups will also be banned under state law, as will the use of attachment devices such as rope or chains if it endangers the public or first responders.<\/p>\n Loading<\/p>\n While the government backed down on a proposed blanket ban on protests at places of worship, new penalties punishable by up to three months\u2019 jail will be introduced for assault at religious assemblies and for intimidating, harassing or obstructing attendees.<\/p>\n Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia and member of an anti-hate taskforce, said the new laws would not be effective.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re deeply disappointed by the Victorian government\u2019s announcement about the proposed mask ban,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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