Children's Court of Victoria welcomes Magistrate Julie O'Donnell

She will exclusively handle repeat youth offender cases

Children's Court of Victoria welcomes Magistrate Julie O'Donnell

The Victorian Government has appointed Magistrate Julie O’Donnell to the Children’s Court of Victoria to exclusively handle repeat youth offender cases, ensuring they are heard promptly and consistently.

With over 35 years of experience in the legal system, O’Donnell has specialised in criminal and child protection cases. She previously served at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court since 2022 and spent over a decade at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court. Earlier in her career, she was a senior lawyer at Victorian Legal Aid.

In a press release, the Victorian government stated that O’Donnell’s appointment is part of its broader effort to strengthen community safety and improve the justice system’s response to youth offending. The government aims to improve case management and ensure greater accountability by assigning a dedicated magistrate to repeat youth offender cases.

This move aligns with recent legal reforms designed to address youth crime. In December, new bail laws came into effect, requiring bail decision-makers to explicitly consider the risk of serious reoffending when determining bail eligibility. Under the reforms, bail must be refused if there is an unacceptable risk that a youth may commit a serious offence, such as aggravated burglary, armed robbery, carjacking, or home invasion.

A new offence has also been introduced for individuals who commit serious crimes while already on bail. The government has established the Council on Bail, Rehabilitation and Accountability (COBRA) to coordinate efforts among law enforcement, youth justice officials, health services, and educators to prevent repeat youth offending. Later this year, a trial of electronic monitoring with enhanced bail supervision and support will begin.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny stated that O’Donnell’s appointment would ensure consistency in hearings and hold repeat offenders accountable. She emphasised that the government is committed to addressing youth crime while offering support to young people to help them change course.

Minister for Youth Justice Enver Erdogan highlighted the importance of balancing accountability with rehabilitation. “We want to help victims get closure by holding young people to account and helping those who may be heading down a wrong path to realise the effects of their actions,” Erdogan said.