Boosting Our Courts To Deal With Youth Offending

The latest crime data shows Australia’s toughest bail laws and Adult Time for Violent Crime laws are working.

Bail refusals and revocations are at record highs.

That’s why the Victorian Budget 2026/27 is investing in the courts to deliver justice sooner.

Cases will be heard faster – keeping Victorians safer.

$117.5 million will deliver a specialised, fast-tracked youth court list in the County Court.

This means youth crime matters will be heard faster – delivering consequences sooner.

This backs our Adult Time for Violent Crime laws which delivers serious consequences for violent offenders.

It will mean the County Court can recruit more judges and staff to hear the list, supported by the Office of Public Prosecutions and Victoria Legal Aid. It will also fund the construction of new youth holding cells at the County Court.

This will ensure cases can be resolved sooner.

We will also deliver funding to the OPP to meet the increased demand in cases.

This complements our funding of the Violence Reduction Unit to stop violence before it starts – an initiative the Liberals will cut.

Only Labor has new solutions to make Victorians safer and deter crime.

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General and Minister for Violence Reduction Sonya Kilkenny

“We’re reducing violent youth crime with serious consequences and early interventions.”

“Labor is backing our courts to deliver serious consequences – sooner.”