Age of Criminal Responsibility

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:21): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing questions to the Attorney-General regarding the age of criminal responsibility.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: In recent media reports, including as recently as this morning with police commissioner Grant Stevens, there was public concern in relation to the trend of increased youth offending. My questions for the Attorney are:

1. Does he have a view on the age of criminal responsibility?

2. Has he raised any objections to the current position?

3. What, if any, advice has his department provided to him in relation to youth offending and youth recidivism?

4. Perhaps most importantly, has the Attorney engaged with the SA Voice to Parliament on this issue and, if so, what is their position?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:22): I will refer the honourable member to re-read the Hansard once it is published from my last answer in relation to the last question, as I clearly said we don't have a policy to go and consult with the Voice because we don't have a position.