Victoria Passes Tougher Laws Targeting Adults Who Recruit Children Into Organised Crime
MELBOURNE, Australia: Victoria’s Parliament has passed new legislation targeting organised crime groups that recruit children to carry out serious offences, with adults convicted of recruiting children potentially facing life imprisonment.
The Crimes Amendment (Recruitment of Children for Criminal Activity) Bill 2026 creates a new offence for adults who recruit children to participate in serious criminal activity carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years or more. The offences covered include murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated home invasion, carjacking and arson.
Importantly, the new offence can apply even if the recruited child does not ultimately commit the crime.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said organised crime networks were deliberately exploiting vulnerable young people because they were easier to influence and recruit, including through online platforms.
“Organised crime groups are deliberately recruiting vulnerable young people to carry out violent acts,” Kilkenny told Parliament.
The legislation has also faced criticism from opposition and crossbench MPs, who warned that organised crime networks could exploit a potential loophole by using 17-year-olds to recruit younger children.
Member for Northern Metropolitan Evan Mulholland argued that the law should focus on the act of recruitment rather than whether the recruiter is legally considered an adult.
The Greens opposed the bill, arguing that existing Victorian law already criminalises the recruitment of children into crime and warning that the proposed legislation may be too broad.
Other MPs also questioned whether the new laws would effectively target the organisers of criminal networks, noting that young people are sometimes recruited by other young people.
Supporters of the legislation said stronger penalties must be combined with prevention measures, including youth mentoring, violence-reduction programs and initiatives designed to keep young people connected to schools, sporting organisations and positive role models.
The bill received Royal Assent on September 1, 2026, becoming law in Victoria.
Source: Victoria’s Parliament/ VIC Gov.
