The minimum age of criminal responsibility in the ACT is set to increase to 14 years on 1 July. Introduced by ACT Labor, this bill supports this change by clarifying police powers when dealing with children, particularly in relation to issuing stop and search warrants and detaining children. 

Evidence suggests that criminalising and incarcerating young offenders does not reduce rates of crime. On the contrary, it entrenches children in cycles of offending and reincarceration. These reforms aim to break that cycle by minimising children’s interactions with the criminal justice system, and align with the recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

The Liberals opposed the bill, arguing for a review of the implications of raising the age and a pause on doing so, raising concerns about whether this would increase crime and if appropriate therapeutic support programs were in place to support children who will be diverted away from the criminal justice system. 

While Thomas agreed that a greater investment in therapeutic supports is urgently needed, he noted his support for the objectives of the bill and that criminalisation entrenches marginalised groups in cycles of disadvantage. 

Thomas supported the passage of the bill alongside Labor, the Greens, and Independent Fiona Carrick.