The NSW campaign to Raise the Age has received a significant boost, thanks to a generous commitment of campaigning and financial support from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
Raise the Age is a national campaign to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14 years of age. The NSW campaign involves a coalition of advocacy organisations including First Nations organisations, medical practitioners and human rights advocates, and is coordinated by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC).
“Children as young as 10 continue to be locked up and criminalised in NSW, even though the evidence shows it does them harm and makes them more likely to reoffend,” says Dominique Bigras, Head of Justice & Safety at the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
“We are proud to support this critical campaign to keep children out of prisons and police cells, so they can be supported to thrive within their communities.”
The PRF grant will fund a Campaign Manager, additional communications support and other resources needed amplify the impact of the campaign.
PIAC CEO Jonathon Hunyor says the grant has come at a pivotal time.
“The momentum to raise the age is building across Australia and NSW must not be left behind. The NT has already raised the age to 12, and the ACT has committed to raising the age to 12 this year and to 14 by 2025.”
“The support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation allows our coalition to ramp up our work to deliver this reform.”
“We have seen far too many children harmed by interactions with the criminal justice system. And too many are First Nations children. It’s time to invest in the alternatives that have been proven to keep our children and our communities safer.”
“Thanks to the Paul Ramsay Foundation for backing us to do this critical work. We are optimistic about the difference we can make working together.”