Patrick Dodson (WA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Reconciliation) Share this | Hansard source

Labor co-sponsors this motion, acknowledging that across Australia the age of criminal responsibility for a child is 10 years of age. This is too low and impacts on First Nations communities and families, and it's devastating. The National Children's Commissioner recommended that the age be raised to at least 12. The Don Dale royal commission in the Northern Territory recommended increasing the age to 12. This is yet to be implemented. On 23 November 2018 the Council of Attorneys-General established a working group to review raising the age of criminal responsibility, with the requirement to report back in 12 months. The government must work with all jurisdictions to raise the age of criminal responsibility.