8 December 2023

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is pleased that the Tasmanian Government has listened to the advice of health and medical experts and will raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, without exception, by 2029.

RACP President and paediatrician Dr Jacqueline Small says “We welcome Premier Rockliff and Minister Barnett’s leadership on this issue and for heeding expert medical advice about child health and wellbeing.

“Children aged 10 to 13 are physically and neurodevelopmentally vulnerable and require a different response to behavioural issues than older children and adults.

“Evidence-based and properly funded health and social supports are instead needed for these children. Paediatric and other specialist medical expertise must inform the system design process, as well as clinical service delivery.

“Tasmania is showing the rest of the Country the way forward.

“The RACP calls on the Tasmanian Government to pass legislation and deliver on its commitment in this term of Parliament.

“We also call for all parties and party leaders in Tasmania to pledge to support this nation leading reform.

“Tasmania’s announcement is also a challenge to other states and territories and the Commonwealth: don’t leave children in your jurisdiction behind. Now is the time to support child health and make the same commitment that Tasmania has made to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to at least 14, with no exceptions.”