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Urgent message to Attorneys-General: Don’t fail children, make it at least 14

MEDIA RELEASE: SACOSS has urged Attorneys-General to raise the age of criminal responsibility to at least 14, as reports suggest that while the age is being considered, the planned announcement will fall far short.

Attorneys-General are reportedly considering another move towards raising the age of criminal responsibility, with a formal announcement anticipated early in the week.

However, reports suggest that the announcement may fall short of what is required, not amounting to an agreement to raise the age to 14.

Groups across Australia have long been calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be raised to at least 14 years of age. 

Ross Womersley, CEO of the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS), said: “This indication is not an unequivocal commitment to prevent some of our most vulnerable children from being criminalised and locked up.

“Three years ago, the Attorneys-General undertook to consider a similar ‘proposal’ to explore options to raise the age, but have as yet delivered nothing. All the while, children across Australia continue to be locked away.

“The current response we are hearing about does not even meet the minimum that legal and medical experts such as the Law Council and Australian Medical Association say is necessary: to raise the age to at least 14 years old.

“SACOSS has joined with Change the Record, the network of Councils of Social Service and a wide range of other groups in repeatedly calling for governments across Australia to raise the age of criminal responsibility to a minimum age of at least 14 years.

“SACOSS has also urged Attorneys-General to listen to Aboriginal-controlled organisations and First Nations peoples whose children and families are disproportionately affected by the actions of the criminal justice system. 

“The wellbeing and lives of all our young children must be front and centre in these decisions. Our job as a community is to ensure all children get the best opportunities to thrive,” he stated.

If governments across Australia only raise the minimum age to 12 years, then 456 out of the 499 children under 14 in prison last year would remain locked away behind bars.* In South Australia, over 90% of the children who were under 14 and behind bars last year would remain locked away.

“This is not the outcome that decent and compassionate South Australians will accept. SACOSS will not stop campaigning for reform until governments right across Australia raise the minimum age to at least 14 years. We owe it to all our children. It is the very least that we should do,” Mr Womersley stated.

*Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s ‘Youth justice in Australia 2019-20 report’

More information: Raise the Age website 

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08 8305 4222

sacoss@sacoss.org.au

Marjorie Black House
47 King William Road Unley SA 5061

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

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DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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