The government has decided to drop Labour’s proposed Ram Raid Offending and Related Measures Amendment Bill, which sought to introduce tougher penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and allowing police to prosecute children as young as 12.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Minister for Children Karen Chhour explained that the bill is no longer necessary due to declining ram raid incidents. In

stead, they are focusing on more targeted solutions to address serious youth offending.

“Ram raids have already dropped by 60 percent last year, and we’re confident this trend will continue,” Goldsmith said.

He emphasized that the government’s priority is now faster an

d more effective interventions for repeat young offenders involved in serious crimes.

Minister Karen Chhour added, “We’re introducing a Young Serious Offender declaration, which will give young people access to tools to help them address their issues while empowering the Youth Court and Police with stronger powers.”

However, some parts of the original bill will be carried forward. For example, the government plans to pass new measures requiring the court to consider whether an offense was livestreamed or posted online in a way that glorifies the crime when sentencing youth offenders.

Goldsmith noted that sentencing reforms will also target adults who encourage or enable young offenders and those who promote criminal activities online.

“This is part of our broader effort to reduce serious violent crime and repeat youth offending by 2029,” he added.

The government remains committed to protecting communities and finding more effective ways to curb youth crime while offering support to help young offenders get back on track…