Children as young as 14 could be held for questioning by Victorian police under proposed law changes, part of plans that include a $10 million CBD upgrade.
The law changes seek to extend Preventative Detention Orders to 14-year-olds, down from the age of 16.
The would be able to be held for 36 hours before police must obtain an order from the Supreme Court to detain them further.
Recent changes allowed adults to be able to be held for up to four days.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the laws were very necessary.
“These are very real issues,” Mr Andrews said.
“We have seen … people as young as 14 posing a significant risk to community safety.
The changes came from a report in the wake of a deadly siege earlier this year, which included 26 recommendations, all of which have been accepted in principle.
The Victorian Government will also start removing temporary concrete bollards installed around the CBD to protect against vehicle attacks.
They will be placed at around a dozen sites identified by Victoria Police based on pedestrian traffic, public events and significance to the city.
Concrete blocks have already been installed at some sites, and will now be added to by stainless steel bollards and fixed planter boxes.