People who have been the victims of crime at the hands of young people need to have their voices heard in the process to raise the age of criminal responsibility in the ACT, the territory's Victims of Crime Commissioner says.
Heidi Yates said she, like many Canberrans, did not want to see children as young as 10 in detention, but members of the community could still be harmed by the actions of a child or young person.
"I want to reassure victims that any decision to increase the minimum age of criminal responsibility must consider victim rights, as outlined in the charter of rights for victims of crime, which came into effect earlier this year," Ms Yates said.
The ACT is the first Australian jurisdiction to commit to raising the age of criminal responsibility, and is currently considering raising the age from 10 to 14 years.
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate released a discussion paper in June exploring whether there should be exceptions to raising the age of criminal responsibility for instances of serious crime, such as murder.
ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said at the time that the discussion paper would look at various ways to support victims of criminal activity.
"The discussion paper will look at how we can provide therapeutic care and accommodation for young people, embed restorative approaches and support people who are impacted by harmful behaviours," Mr Rattenbury said.
"As part of this process it is essential that we hear from all members in our community, including those who have been impacted by harmful behaviour, as we explore ways to better support Canberrans."
Ms Yates is calling for any victims or crime, or their family and friends, to provide feedback online.
"I encourage victims, their family, friends or carers, or anyone who has an interest in justice in the community, to take part in this discussion," she said.
"This is a chance for victims to tell the government how victims' rights can be upheld in these reforms, including how the government should recognise and support community members affected by the harmful behaviour of a child or young person."
Mr Rattenbury has previously said he expected to get feedback from across the country, not just the ACT.
He said the ACT government planned to introduce legislation either late this year or early next year.
"I've still got the pedal to the metal on this one in the sense it is a priority, I want to get it done but I want to do it properly," Mr Rattenbury said.
