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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025
PETITION ON YOUTH CRIME, KNIFE VIOLENCE
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■ A petition to Parliament about youth crime and knife violence has been presented by Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell. “The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council increasing concerns of escalating youth crime and knife violence that is plaguing the Victorian community,” says the petition presented to the Legislative Council by Mrs Tyrrell. “Two young lives have been lost in just over two months in the past year. “These events highlight the urgent need for decisive action to address youth crime. “Offences committed by 10 to 17 years olds are the highest recorded since 2009, having almost tripled since 2022 and with the biggest increase documented last year. “Repeat offenders are being often released within 24 hours, including after committing violent offences. “While there may be underlying root issues that are driving criminal behaviour, our legal system is failing to deter young people from committing crime, and from re-offending. In this environment, Victorians are losing faith in the institution and do not feel safe in their own neighbour-hoods. “Mandatory sentencing for violent offences and violent crimes must be introduced to address youth crime. “Mandatory sentencing would occur when a crime involves causing physical injury, the use of weapons, threats of harm, gang-related violence, sexual offences, assault, robbery, and
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0493 804 698 ● Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MLC homicide. Bail laws need to be reformed to be stricter and there should be no bail conditions set for repeat offenders of violent crimes while they await trial. “The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to immediately address youth crime and restore community safety by introducing mandatory sentencing for violent crimes, reforming bail laws, increasing police presence in high risk areas, providing reports on knife-related injuries and providing additional support to programs for victims’ families,” said the petition tabled by Mrs Tyrrell.
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● The late Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop
■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has spoken in State Parliament about 12 “extraordinary young people” from across the electorate, each one a worthy recipient of the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award. “I want to give huge congratulations to Angus Rowe, Claire Hemming, Gabrielle Mosley, Hunter Frederick, Hunter Aubrey, Lincoln Terry, Oliver Healy, Riley McKenzie, Rose DeFazio, Roxanne Clark, Tom Harris and Zoe Holden. “Nine of these incredible students, along with their families, are here at Parliament today for this special moment. “This award is named after a true local hero, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, a man whose name and legacy mean so much to our community. It is an award I am proud to support every single year because it recognises students who live by the same values Weary showed through his life, even in the most difficult wartime circumstances: compassion, courage, humility, leadership, integrity, friendship and forgiveness. “These young people have shown all of that and so much more, whether it is in overcoming illness or the heartbreak of losing a loved one, excelling in sports, stepping into leadership, achieving academically or simply being that reliable, loyal friend that everyone can lean on. “Some have faced challenges that many adults would find overwhelming, yet they have met them with incredible resilience and determination,” Ms Cleeland said.