Victorian Liberals Youth-Crime Policy | GPS Bracelets & Curfews

Under the Liberals' 2025 plan, high-risk teens on bail would wear GPS ankle bracelets and face a midnight curfew, while a three-strike rule targets repeat car thieves.

Why youth crime spiked

Victoria's youth crime crisis has reached alarming levels, with Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data revealing a 13.2% overall crime jump in 2024. Most concerning is the 37% surge in aggravated home burglaries committed by under-18s, creating community anxiety and political pressure for tougher responses.

The statistics paint a stark picture of repeat offending concentrated among a small cohort of young criminals. The top-20 repeat offenders, aged 14-17, committed 302 aggravated burglaries—nearly one-fifth of the state total. Police attribute the rise to stolen-car 'ram-raid' crews and cost-of-living shoplifting rings that exploit juvenile justice leniency.

Key elements of the Liberals' plan

The Victorian Liberals' response centers on electronic monitoring and geographical restrictions for youth offenders. The plan targets the most serious repeat offenders through a combination of real-time GPS tracking, curfew enforcement, and presumptive detention for car-theft offences.

Electronic monitoring framework

The centerpiece of the Liberal plan mandates real-time GPS ankle bracelets for alleged violent youth on bail. Up to 200 devices would be deployed initially, targeting offenders charged with aggravated burglary, carjacking, or assault who pose the highest risk of reoffending.

• Real-time GPS tracking: 24/7 location monitoring with immediate alerts for violations
• Court-imposed conditions: Magistrates set specific exclusion zones and time restrictions
• Graduated sanctions: Breach responses range from warnings to immediate custody
• Case management integration: Monitoring linked to youth justice and support services

Projected costs and timelines

Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) costings for the Liberal plan show significant upfront investment with ongoing operational expenses. The one-off $11 million setup cost covers bracelet procurement and monitoring centre establishment, while $6.2 million annual running costs fund 24/7 surveillance and compliance officers.

Implementation timeline and costs

The Liberal youth crime plan follows a phased rollout approach with significant upfront investment and ongoing operational expenses. Parliamentary Budget Office costings reveal the full financial scope of the proposed monitoring system.

• Trial begins July 2026: Initial rollout across Wyndham, Hume, Casey, Whittlesea and Greater Geelong councils based on crime hotspot analysis
• $11m setup, $6.2m annual running cost: PBO 2025-26 estimate includes bracelet hardware, monitoring infrastructure and dedicated compliance staff
• Public evaluation after 18 months: Independent assessment comparing re-offence rates with matched control LGAs determines expansion decisions
• Performance metrics tracked: Reoffending rates, compliance levels, and community safety indicators monitored throughout trial

Geographic targeting and curfew enforcement

The Liberal plan implements targeted midnight-to-5am curfews in the five council areas with the highest youth home-invasion rates. This geographic approach aims to disrupt established offending patterns while avoiding blanket restrictions across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Victorian Liberals' youth crime plan represents a significant escalation in juvenile justice responses, prioritizing community safety through enhanced monitoring and detention. While supporters argue tough measures are needed to address spiraling youth crime, critics question whether punitive approaches effectively address underlying causes of offending.

The 18-month trial period will provide crucial evidence on the effectiveness of GPS monitoring and geographic curfews in reducing youth reoffending rates. Success metrics include not only crime reduction but also impacts on youth development, family stability, and long-term rehabilitation outcomes.