My daughter was working at the Dicky Beach IGA when the juvenile thief decided to come back with his group of 14-16 year old friends and bash the store owner. Shane, the store owner, had come back after my daughter called him to say that the thief was sitting across the road with a group of friends. Shane didn’t hesitate to come back to check on the safety of my then 18-year-old daughter and 16-year-old junior who were closing that night. The judge gave these kids and others the green light to crimes like this, and now our community lives in fear.

This is not an isolated incident. The increasing trend of juvenile crime in Australia is alarming. Statistics show that many juvenile offenders engage in repeat offenses, escalating in severity over time. It's crucial that our legal system sends a clear message: adult crimes deserve adult sentences. Too often, our communities suffer because the judicial system fails to hold young offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Australia must reform its juvenile justice system to address this crisis. Judges should follow through with the mandate to impose sentences that reflect the severity of the crime, regardless of the perpetrator's age. Community safety should be prioritized, ensuring that violent juvenile offenders receive rehabilitation and, when necessary, serve appropriate time befitting their crimes.

By following through with this legislation that holds young offenders accountable, we can deter future crimes, reduce recidivism, and reinforce public safety. Everyone deserves to feel safe, whether at home, at work, or in our neighborhoods.

Let’s urge the Australian government and Judges to enact stricter laws and empower Judges to impose sentences that reflect the gravity of adult crimes committed by juveniles. The green light given by Judge Cash today has sent the wrong message to juveniles all over Australia.Sign this petition to ensure our justice system protects the innocent and delivers justice for victims like Shane, so that no one else has to undergo such experiences. Your support can lead to meaningful change and make our community a safer place for all.