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‘Post and boast’ criminalised in Victoria
Criminals who boast about their offences on social media will now face charges instead of likes, under new legislation introduced by the Allan Labor government.
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Under new legislation introduced by the Allan Labor government, Victorians who brag about committing crimes on social media and messaging apps will now face “extra jail time”.
Tabled in Parliament this week (17 June), the Crimes Amendment (Performance Crimes) Bill aims to target individuals who “post and boast” about their involvement in serious criminal offences, including home invasions, carjackings, burglaries, and acts of violent disorder.
The enactment of this legislation is a response to growing public concern over young people “chasing clout” by posting about their crimes on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat.
The Victorian government described how such behaviour is harmful, stating that it “encourages copycat offending, retraumatises victims and deeply disturbs the community”.
Under the new law, individuals found guilty of a serious offence who also share content online boasting about their actions may face up to two years in prison, in addition to any sentence imposed for the original offence.
The bill also extends accountability to those who are “encouraging or facilitating” others in committing these criminal acts, with the Labor government stating that “there is no room to hide behind the ringleader”.
However, the laws will not apply to third parties, which include “witnesses, bystanders and journalists”.
In Victoria, boasting about crimes on social media can currently “be considered as an aggravating factor in sentencing”. However, the state government stated that introducing a standalone offence will ensure offences “face tough penalties, and send a clear message: there is no pride in crime”.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny explained that the enactment of the new legislation is a direct response to community outrage over the online display and glorification of criminal behaviour in Victoria.
“Victorians are outraged by offenders posting and boasting about their crimes – that’s why we’re taking action,” A-G Kilkenny said.
“This crackdown, alongside our tough new bail laws and machete ban, is all about keeping Victorians safe.”
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines stated that the new law reinforces the “work of Victoria Police” and delivers a strong warning to potential offenders that “crime isn’t content, it isn’t entertainment, and it won’t be tolerated”.