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Australia’s Northern Territory resumes jailing 10-year-olds amid controversy

The decision has sparked fierce debate, with human rights groups, medical professionals, and Indigenous organisations condemning the move.

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the policy, stating that the ability to intervene early would help address the root causes of youth crime. (File photo)

In a significant policy shift, Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) will soon allow children as young as 10 to be jailed again, following a reversal of the previous government’s decision to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12. The new Country Liberal Party (CLP) government, elected in August, argues that lowering the age is necessary to combat rising youth crime rates.

The decision has sparked fierce debate, with human rights groups, medical professionals, and Indigenous organisations condemning the move. Critics argue that the policy disproportionately affects Aboriginal children, who already face incarceration rates 11 times higher than other jurisdictions in Australia. Nearly all incarcerated children in the NT are Aboriginal.

While the CLP insists the change is in response to an overwhelming voter mandate to tackle crime, opponents point to research suggesting that jailing children is counterproductive. Reports indicate that incarcerating young offenders increases the likelihood of reoffending and can severely impact their health, education, and future prospects.

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NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the policy, stating that the ability to intervene early would help address the root causes of youth crime. However, experts, including the NT’s Children Commissioner Shahleena Musk, argue that the move reflects “structural racism” in the justice system and will worsen outcomes for vulnerable children.

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This decision comes amid broader debates across Australia about raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, with only the Australian Capital Territory having raised it above 10.

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