To the NSW Government and Relevant Ministers,

We, the undersigned, call on the NSW Government to take urgent action to address escalating youth violence throughout the Illawarra and to review the operation of the Doli Incapax principle in relation to serious violent offences committed by children under the age of 14.

Within a single week, my daughter was assaulted on two separate occasions—once at Shellharbour Square and once at a service station in Barrack Heights. Since then, one of her friends has also been assaulted. Videos of these attacks have been recorded and circulated online, causing further distress, humiliation, and fear for the victims and their families.

These incidents are not isolated. Families throughout the Illawarra are increasingly concerned about violent behaviour, group assaults, intimidation, harassment, and the sharing of attack footage on social media. Children and families should be able to visit shopping centres, public spaces, schools, and community facilities without fear of violence.

Community concern has also been heightened by other serious incidents across the region. Cases involving alleged violent assaults on young people have reinforced public fears about the severity of youth violence and its devastating impact on victims and their families.

The impact extends beyond physical injury. Many young people are reportedly experiencing ongoing harassment, intimidation, and abuse both in person and online. Some students are missing school because they no longer feel safe attending classes. No child should be denied an education due to fear of violence, threats, or harassment.

While we recognise the need to support vulnerable children and address the causes of youth offending, we also believe that individuals who commit serious acts of violence and knowingly cause harm to others must face appropriate consequences. The current operation of Doli Incapax has raised significant concerns within our community regarding accountability for serious offending by children under 14.

We therefore call upon the NSW Government to:

• Review the operation of Doli Incapax in cases involving serious violent offences.

• Strengthen laws relating to youth violence and repeat offending.

• Increase police resources and community safety measures throughout the Illawarra.

• Provide greater support to schools dealing with violence, bullying, harassment, and intimidation.

• Ensure that victims and their families receive appropriate protection and support.

• Prioritise community safety while maintaining appropriate safeguards for young people.

The people of the Illawarra deserve to feel safe. Our children deserve protection. Victims deserve to know that their voices are being heard.

By signing this petition, we call on the NSW Government to take immediate action before more young people are harmed.