Victims of youth crime to be warned of offenders' release under new Victorian system

Victims of youth crime in Victoria will soon have a formal way to receive notifications when their offenders are set to be released from prison or have an upcoming parole hearing. The changes, which come into effect from September 30, will allow families and victims of certain crimes to apply for a register that currently only applies to adult offenders.

Eligible Crimes and Application Process

The eligible youth crimes include murder, rape, home invasions, carjackings, serious sexual crimes, and assault. Victims and their families will be able to apply to the register, which will provide them with information about the offender's release or parole hearing. However, the reform will not be applied retrospectively, meaning those affected by recent high-profile crimes are ineligible for the notifications.

Victim's Family Welcomes Change

Natalie Gordon, whose brother Ash Gordon was stabbed to death with a hunting knife by a 16-year-old boy in a home invasion in 2024, welcomed the change. "I don't know why it's not already an option," she said. "Victims and victims' families aren't acknowledged, and that's probably the most heartbreaking and disappointing part of the system."

The offender, the son of a Victoria Police investigator, is serving a 17-year sentence for murdering Mr Gordon, with a non-parole period of 12 years. Natalie Gordon said she is shocked Victoria does not already have systems in place to keep the families of victims informed.

Government's Response and Future Plans

Minister for Victims Support Ros Spence said the new register helped put community safety first by giving victims access to information they needed. "Victims and survivors should never feel like an afterthought in our justice system," she said. "Their voices matter, and we're making sure they are heard."

Jesuit Social Services chief executive Julie Edwards said the register was only one part of helping victims heal while holding young offenders responsible for their actions. "We support anything that will help a victim heal, but we don't think just putting your name on a register and finding out what date someone's getting out, or what date their parole hearing is, is sufficient," Ms Edwards said.

Additional Changes to Youth Justice

The new alert system will arrive as youths convicted of some of Victoria's most violent crimes approach the end of their sentences. The changes will also require the Youth Parole Board to make families' concerns central to parole decisions. Additionally, police will have a new framework for arresting young people, which includes considering the seriousness of the offence, whether the youth has reoffended, and recording their reasoning for the actions they take.