Premier vows to target 'evil adult puppet-masters' driving Victoria youth crime scourge

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has vowed to put crooks who recruit children into criminal gangs behind bars for life, in the second major justice reform announcement in as many days. The Allan government today announced plans to significantly increase the penalty for adults who recruit children into youth gangs. The penalty will rise from 10 years to 15 years under the government's plan for most offences. READ MORE: Machete found in car allegedly speeding at 200km/h through Melbourne suburb For the most violent offences, including aggravated home invasions or aggravated carjacking, a new offence crafted by the government means criminal masterminds could face life behind bars. "If you turn a child to a life of violence, I think you should spend your life in jail," Allan said. "This is not about an excuse for violent children. This is about targeting the evil adult puppet-masters pulling the strings." The opposition was quick to challenge the government on how effective the legislation would be, after it was revealed just 32 people have been charged in the last four years for recruiting children into a life of crime. "You've got a group of offenders that don't get charged, and you say we're going to give them tougher sentences. For what?" Opposition Leader Brad Battin said. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny admitted no one had ever been successfully prosecuted for the offence in Victoria. "Not nearly enough convictions, which is why we need to make sure that these laws are drafted and work well with Victoria Police so they deliver the outcomes our community needs and deserves," Kilkenny said. READ MORE: Australia's world-first social media ban comes into effect next month. Here is what it will look like Today's legislation announcement adds to major justice reforms outlined yesterday, as pressure mounts on the government to act on a youth crime scourge gripping the state. The overhaul includes new Adult Time for Adult Crime laws, which could see children as young as 14 who commit violent offences tried and sentenced in adult court. Currently, the maximum sentence in a children's court for aggravated home invasion or a single offence is three years in prison, but in adult court, that is 25 years in jail. Police union boss Wayne Gatt yesterday poured cold water on the government's focus on maximum sentencing. "When we're talking maximums and life sentences, that's called spin," he said. "No one in Victoria is going to get a life sentence for any of these offences." "The threat of a maximum won't [deter youth offenders]. The threat of incarceration will." But Allan insists the harsh new penalties have a strong role to play in the government's bid to stamp out youth crime gangs. "Maximum penalties are really important," she said. "They send the strongest possible message that this parliament views these offenses as absolutely abhorrent. "We're doing this to protect our community." DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.