News

Hundreds show up to support change to youth crime laws

By Bree Harding

Jun 22, 2026

Hundreds of people reached The Tipping Point community event at Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake on Sunday to show their support for changing laws surrounding youth crime.

Droves of supporters took part in a symbolic “walk for safety” at the event. Photo by Bree Harding

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Local parents organised and ran the event, while politicians addressed the crowd before a united walk from the north end of the lake to south end and back again.

There were hundreds of people at the June 21 event. Photo by Bree Harding

Organisers are calling for greater accountability of youth offenders, stronger legislation surrounding policies impacting youth offending prioritising community safety, early intervention programs that address harmful behaviours before they escalate, dedicated educational and rehabilitation programs for young people who need support and guidance and a justice system that balances accountability, responsibility, rehabilitation and support for victims.

“We want families to feel supported, not abandoned by the justice system,” they said.

“We want community safety to improve and to restore public safety ... this is what we have heard from hundreds of people.”

Many of the hundreds of people at the event signed a petition to change legislation. Photo by Bree Harding

Guests at the event had the opportunity to sign a petition to amend the Youth Justice Act 2024, which had been signed by 1629 people by 11am on June 22, just a few days after it was approved.

Tammy Sanders was the MC at the event. Photo by Bree Harding

Tammy Sanders emceed the June 21 event, welcoming Liberal candidate for Northern Victoria Steve Brooks to the stage, who spoke about what the Liberal party would do differently to the Labor party, should it be elected.

Liberal candidate for Northern Victoria Steve Brooks was one of the guest speakers on the day. Photo by Bree Harding

“We will hire the 3000 police officers that our police force needs, we will give adult time for adult crime and we will restore the accountability and the consequences for poor behaviour that this state is lacking,” Mr Brooks said.

“Politics can sometimes seem distant, but this is a real-life local example of when policy fails and community stand up.

“And I know how powerful community standing together can be.”

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali took to the stage to show his support.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali. Photo by Bree Harding

“Whether it’s kids getting off a school bus, whether it’s kids at school, whether it’s playing at the playground, or even playing community sport, the safety of our children is paramount,” Cr Sali said.

“When you come together, be respectful, speak up and walk together as one community, government have no choice but to listen.”

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe spoke of being shocked by recent incidents of youth violence, noting that the call to action wasn’t just about punishing perpetrators, but helping troubled youth who chose violence and crime.

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe. Photo by Bree Harding

“When kids go off the track, we need to get them on the right track,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

“We don’t want to put them into incarceration, but we need responsibility.”

Ladell Sanders and Chris Staggard. Photo by Bree Harding

Parents Chris Staggard and Ladell Sanders shared their thoughts before throwing the microphone out to the audience, where several members also contributed to the conversation.

Charli Staggard sang for the crowd. Photo by Bree Harding

An uplifting musical performance by primary schooler Charli Staggard had the crowd clapping along before the group took part in the “walk for safety”.