South Australia moves to introduce nation’s harshest penalties for criminal ringleaders recruiting children

In a move to combat the recruitment of children into criminal activities, the South Australian government is set to introduce the harshest penalties in the nation for adult ringleaders responsible for the practice.

“The thugs and criminals who recruit children to commit crimes should feel the full force of the law,” state Attorney-General Kyam Maher said.

The government is hoping to break the cycle of adults recruiting children into a life of crime.

“What this does is criminalise adults who recruit children to commit these crimes,” Maher said.

“These will be the toughest laws of their kind anywhere in the country.”

Any adult found guilty of pushing a child under 18 to carry out a serious criminal offence will face a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, regardless of whether the crime is actually carried out.

However, child offenders will still face charges.

“The children themselves will still face the penalty for committing the crime,” Maher said.

“This will not absolve children in any way, shape, or form.”

The laws appear set to have bipartisan support, with Opposition Leader David Spiers saying it “appears on the face of it to be a good move by the Government”.

The government will formally introduce the laws to parliament tomorrow and hopes to fast-track the process to have the new legislation in place within months.