The Independent National Security Legislation Monitor have called upon the Federal Government to update their sentencing laws for children convicted of terrorism offenses.
The independent watchdog has slammed the laws, saying the strict non-parole periods for jail sentences breach Australia’s obligations under the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The president of the Law Council of Australia, Arthur Moses, said the terrorism laws are “not just about locking up kids” and the age of the children being charged with these offenses ought to be taken into account by the courts when determining bail.