Tasmania plans to lift youth detention age

Parliament House in Hobart.
The Tasmanian government plans to raise the minimum age of youth detention from 10 to 14. -AAP Image

Tasmania is planning to raise the minimum age of youth detention from 10 to 14 as part of broader reforms to the state's youth justice system.Children and Youth Minister Roger Jaensch made the announcement on Wednesday, describing it as a key element in a best-practice approach. The move has been welcomed by advocates but also prompted calls for the island state to lift the age of criminal responsibility, which sits at 10 nationwide. Mr Jaensch said it is the state government's view that jurisdictions work to a nationally consistent position. Tasmania's youth justice system has been in the spotlight in recent years, with historical abuse allegations levelled at staff at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.The government in September announced the centre would close within three years and be replaced by two new facilities. It has promised current detainees are safe.Mr Jaensch said legislative reform to increase the minimum detention age would occur in line with a suite of reforms, anticipated to occur in late 2024. "We know that detention does not support rehabilitation or reduce the likelihood of reoffending for younger children," he said. "Early exposure to a detention environment can also further traumatise young people, expose them to problem behaviours of older detainees and increase criminal networks."

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