{
  "id": 7066365,
  "title": "Fresh 'adult time' pledge in youth crime crackdown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/fresh-adult-time-pledge-in-youth-crime-crackdown",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T02:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discovered",
    "slug": "discovered",
    "url": "https://singletonargus.com.au/story/9349169/fresh-adult-time-pledge-in-youth-crime-crackdown"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Opposition politicians are calling for tougher penalties for young offenders, arguing that controversial adult crime laws could be introduced in another state. The NSW coalition has pledged to make juvenile offenders face stiffer sentences within 100 days of taking office, should they win the upcoming March state election. The opposition claims the government has not gone far enough in addressing the issue, emphasizing that serious adult consequences should be imposed for those who commit major crimes. They propose expanding the list of serious indictable offences, potentially subjecting juveniles to adult-level sentences for a broader range of criminal activities. The state Labor government has recently implemented reforms that could result in children suspected of orchestrating crime-linked incidents, such as public shootings or firebombings, being tried as adults and facing harsher penalties. This move followed a series of gangland killings, some involving mistaken identity and alleged involvement of underage gun-for-hire participants. However, the opposition contends that the government's measures are insufficient, demanding even harsher penalties, including for individuals who recruit children to commit crimes. They argue that young people should receive serious consequences for their actions, while also taking proactive steps to prevent such behavior in the first place. Proposed laws would include guideline sentencing and new principles focused on victim impact rather than the offender's age. Additional support would be provided for youth diversion programs, with expanded school suspension and post-detention rehabilitation initiatives, alongside a doubling of funding to the Community Safety Investment Fund. The opposition stresses that while young offenders should face serious consequences, efforts should also be made to deter them from engaging in criminal activities.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}