Over 27,000 people have signed a petition demanding stricter youth crime laws, following a violent attack on a Chinese couple in Sydney’s eastern suburbs last week.
The petition gained momentum on Chinese social media platforms RedNote and WeChat after a group of teenagers allegedly assaulted the couple outside their Eastgardens apartment. The woman sustained facial injuries, a fractured finger, and bruises.
Seven minors have been charged in relation to the incident, prompting widespread concern and frustration within the Chinese-Australian community, who feel current laws offer inadequate protection and accountability.
Primarily backed by members of the Chinese-Australian community, the petition urges the NSW government to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 10 for serious crimes and to restrict bail for repeat juvenile offenders.
“This wasn’t an isolated event,” the petition notes, citing similar harassment incidents in nearby Green Square involving verbal abuse and intimidation of Asian individuals.
“We call on the NSW government to urgently reform youth criminal justice laws,” the petition states.
NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said he was “deeply concerned” and had contacted police for updates. “Everyone deserves to feel safe, regardless of their background,” he said.
NSW Labor MP Jason Yat-Sen Li acknowledged the growing unease within the Chinese community and emphasized lawful self-protection. “I will not tolerate any attacks or discrimination targeting Chinese Australians,” he said.
The Chinese Australian Forum also condemned the Eastgardens attack, warning of a rise in anti-Chinese racism and calling on political leaders to foster social cohesion. The group also criticized unfounded comments from Liberal Senator Jane Hume, who accused Chinese Australian volunteers of being “spies.”
NSW Police have not confirmed whether the Eastgardens incident was racially motivated, stating that investigations are still ongoing.
Rise in Reported Incidents
The attack has highlighted broader fears of anti-Asian discrimination. A 2023 Lowy Institute report revealed that while verbal abuse toward Chinese Australians has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, many still feel unsafe in public.
Ami, a 22-year-old Chinese student, shared her experience of being attacked by a group of teens while delivering food in Waterloo. One teen kicked her off her bicycle and beat her, while others joined in. A child then asked her if she had money before the group fled when she screamed.
She was treated in hospital for a concussion and multiple injuries and believes Asian delivery workers are being targeted. She hopes the increased public attention will result in serious consequences for the offenders, including potential juvenile detention and increased police patrols.
Another incident involved 25-year-old Alex Zhang, who was assaulted while waiting at a bus stop in Kingsford. After racial taunts, one teenager punched him, causing facial injuries. Zhang hopes repeat youth offenders will face formal charges and restrictions, saying the experience has left him feeling traumatized.
Both cases are under investigation by NSW Police, who have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Community Organizes for Safety
In response to the recent attacks, Chinese community members in Sydney’s eastern suburbs have formed local safety patrols. Organized through WeChat, these mostly male volunteers offer 24/7 support, including walking escorts and emergency assistance.
Similar concerns are emerging in other states. In Victoria, a Taiwanese man was punched after being told to “go back to China.” In Tasmania and Queensland, previous incidents have sparked similar fears and calls for reform. Queensland’s LNP government recently introduced stricter laws under the “Adult Crime, Adult Time” policy for juvenile offenders.
Despite high-profile incidents, criminologists point out that youth crime in Australia has decreased significantly over the past decade. They warn against overreaction driven by media and political narratives and advocate for evidence-based responses that address root causes like poverty and education.
Sydney lawyer Shen Hanbing explained that Australia’s juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, in line with its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“Australia has perhaps gone too far in protecting children’s rights,” he said, noting that while offenders may not face severe penalties, victims should still exercise their legal rights and pursue justice.
He voiced strong support for the petition, emphasizing that widespread public backing could pressure lawmakers into action. “If enough people sign, parliament will have to respond,” he said.
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice has been contacted for comment.
