My heart is shattered. My 13-year-old son was stabbed to death by another 13-year-old — someone he used to call a friend. I sat through the court case, listened to the details of how my son died, and watched as the boy who killed him was found not guilty, despite clear evidence.  Not because he was innocent — but because of his age, because of a legal loophole called Doli Incapax. The law said he was too young to understand what he did. But my son is gone. Forever. And the boy who took his life walks free, with no punishment, no consequences, nothing. Where is the justice in that? There is none. Doli Incapax robbed us of accountability. This is not acceptable. I am calling for change. When a child commits a serious crime, there must be a system that ensures accountability — even if they are found not guilty under Doli Incapax. 

If a child is old enough to take a life, they are old enough to answer for it and be held accountable.

This is not a call for harsh punishment of all young offenders. This is a call for real accountability, with age-appropriate consequences and rehabilitative justice. This allows for intervention when it is most needed—early, before more lives are lost and more futures destroyed.

Doli Incapax may have served its time, but that time has passed. In today’s world, children grow up faster, with smartphones and access to endless information. They are exposed to violence online, engage in complex digital planning, and often understand exactly what they’re doing — and yet, the law presumes they cannot. That outdated assumption is failing both victims and the children it’s meant to protect.

Australia's current laws state that the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 14 years old. This outdated and lenient policy means that young offenders who commit heinous crimes like murder can evade justice. It's a loophole that allows youthful indiscretion to overshadow personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions. For victims and their families, like ours, this is devastating. It undermines the severe impact of severe actions, sending the wrong message to young people that such actions bear no significant repercussions.

There is compelling evidence and testimony from legal experts and psychologists who argue that children as young as 10 are capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong, especially in cases involving violent crimes. The leniency granted by the current law does not reflect the gravity of the situation and fails to deter future incidents, potentially endangering more children and tearing apart more families.

Your signature on this petition can be a crucial step toward legislative change. Help us prevent other families from experiencing the same loss and injustice. Sign this petition today to stand with us for accountability and reform in the Australian legal system regarding young offenders and violent crimes. Demand justice for our lost son and others like him who deserve it.

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