A country that prides itself on fairness still locks up children as young as 10. That single reality cuts through the noise of “youth crime wave” headlines and forces a deeper question: what does it say about us when punishment becomes the default response to children facing deep disadvantage?
In this episode of No Ordinary People, Jade sits down with Emily Mayo from the Justice and Equity Centre and the Raise the Age NSW campaign to unpack what’s really driving youth justice in Australia, and what it would take to change it.
Emily brings clarity to a complex issue, explaining in plain terms what “raising the age of criminal responsibility” means, and why Australia remains out of step with global standards. She traces how the current system disproportionately impacts children already facing deep disadvantage — particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children — not because of who they are, but because systems are failing to provide the support they need to thrive.
A crucial shift in the conversation is moving away from “what did the child do?” to “what is happening for this child?” Many of the young people caught up in the justice system are living with trauma, disability, poverty, homelessness, and unmet health needs. This isn’t about excusing harm, it’s about understanding the conditions that drive it, and what actually prevents it.
The episode also surfaces a fact often missing from public debate: most younger children in detention are held on remand, meaning they have not been found guilty. At the same time, some children are more likely to be policed and escalated for the same behaviours that others move through without consequence. It raises urgent questions about fairness, accountability, and what safety really means.
Cost is part of this story, too. With youth detention exceeding $1 million per child per year, the system is not only failing children - it’s a costly investment in outcomes we know don’t work. In contrast, early intervention, diversion, and community-led support consistently show better results for both young people and community safety.
Together, Jade and Emily unpack:
- What “raise the age” actually means in practice
- Why Australia still imprisons 10-year-olds
- The link between early criminalisation and lifelong system involvement
- How trauma, disability, and poverty intersect with youth justice
- The reality of children on remand and what it reveals about the system
- Why detention is expensive and ineffective
- What evidence-backed alternatives look like
- How narrative, politics, and public perception shape reform
This is a conversation about truth-telling, prevention, and what it really takes to build safer communities, and why choosing care over punishment is not just more humane, but more effective.
If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave a review so more people can engage with the reality behind the headlines.
This episode was recorded at the Nova Entertainment studios.
Raise the Age NSW Contact Details
RTA NSW Website – raisetheagensw.org.au
Watch the 'Ten Is Too Young' campaign video
Watch the 'Better Way for Kids and Communities' video
Justice and Equity Centre website – jec.org.au
Email – [email protected]
Facebook – @RaiseTheAgeNSW
Instagram – @raisetheagensw
Join the movement
No Ordinary People is produced by Jade Harley, Director of Impact at UnLtd.
This podcast shares the real stories of charity founders driving change for children and communities across Australia, especially those impacted by trauma, poverty, racism, and family and domestic violence.
Every story is a reminder: hope is built one small act at a time.
Brand identity and cover design created by my beautiful friends at Cocogun.
Got a story to share or want to get involved? Reach out to [email protected]
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Connect: Instagram @noordinarypeople_podcast and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/jadeharley
