In a significant move, the Victorian Government is set to propose new legislation targeting individuals who flaunt their criminal activities on social media. This initiative, introduced by Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny to state parliament, aims to impose harsher penalties on those who publicly boast about serious offences such as affray, burglary, car theft, home invasions, and violent disorder.
Under the proposed law, offenders could face an additional two years in prison, stacking onto any other sentences they might already receive for their crimes. Kilkenny highlighted a concerning trend of young people engaging in criminal behaviour for the sake of gaining fame on social platforms, leading to copycat crimes and a sense of dread in communities.
She stated, “This disturbing increase is particularly evident among young offenders who are openly broadcasting their serious crimes. It’s having a retraumatising effect on victims and instilling fear within our communities. We must take decisive action now.” Presently, while posting about criminal acts is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing, the new legislation will establish it as an independent offence.
Additionally, the legislation will provide Victoria Police with enhanced powers to pursue online offences and execute search warrants specifically targeting digital content. Police Minister Anthony Carbines has encouraged the public to report any suspicious social media posts related to criminal activities to Crime Stoppers, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in tackling crime.
He remarked, “Make a report. In many cases, we can only act when we receive reports from the public.” Importantly, the new laws will not impact third parties, such as witnesses or journalists, who may be discussing or reporting on criminal activities without direct involvement.
This proposed legislation is expected to receive backing from opposition parties, who have long requested stricter measures against crime in Victoria. The government’s initiative aims not only to deter potential offenders but also to reassure communities grappling with the repercussions of such blatant displays of criminality online.