Can youth crime actually be reduced? And what does it take to create real change, beyond headlines and political debate?
In this episode of Lead Good, Judo and Lewis are joined by Mike Bush, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, bringing together lived experience and law enforcement to unpack one of the most talked-about issues in Victoria.
The conversation explores the tension between punishment and prevention, and whether tougher laws alone can solve the problem. Mike shares his perspective from decades in policing, emphasising the importance of consequences, but also the need to intervene earlier and address the root causes of offending.
Judo reflects on his own experience, acknowledging that as a young person, he didn’t fully understand the impact of his actions, either on victims or on his own future. He speaks about the influence of peer groups, the search for belonging, and how easily young people can be pulled in the wrong direction.
The episode also highlights the role of positive intervention. From mentors to coaches, it looks at what actually makes a difference before someone reaches the point of no return.
Now working directly with young people at risk, Judo shares what he’s seeing on the ground, the challenges they face, and the importance of meeting them where they are, with people they can relate to.
It’s a grounded conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and what it will take to create safer communities.
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Lead Good is produced by Good One Creative with support from Youth Activating Youth.
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