Understanding Victoria’s New ‘Post and Boast’ Laws: What You Need to Know

In June 2025, Victoria introduced groundbreaking legislation to tackle a concerning social trend among offenders known as “post and boast.” This behaviour involves individuals sharing videos or images of their criminal acts on social media platforms, often to gain notoriety or social approval. The new law imposes significant additional penalties on those who publicise serious crimes online, reflecting a tough stance by the Victorian Government against this form of criminal self-promotion.

What Is the ‘Post and Boast’ Offence?

The “post and boast” legislation targets offenders convicted of serious and violent crimes who publicly share content related to their offences. This can include videos, photographs, live streams, or written posts depicting or describing the commission of certain crimes.

The legislation specifically applies to crimes such as:

Aggravated Burglary: Breaking into a building with intent, while armed or causing injury
Armed Robbery: Theft involving the use or threat of weapons
Carjacking: Forcefully taking control of a vehicle from another person

Under the new law, if an offender shares material related to their crime on social media or online platforms, they can be subject to an additional two years’ imprisonment on top of their original sentence. Notably, this also extends to any person who shares the content, broadening the scope of liability.

Why Was This Law Needed?

Social media has dramatically changed how crime impacts communities. Beyond the immediate harm caused by an offence, offenders now have platforms to broadcast their wrongdoing, which can amplify trauma for victims and witnesses. The public sharing of these crimes often glamorises or trivialises serious offences, potentially encouraging copycat behaviour.

Victoria’s Attorney-General Sonia Kilkenny highlighted that the legislation responds to this “disturbing trend” where offenders seek fame or notoriety through their crimes. The law is designed to protect victims and communities by discouraging this harmful form of behaviour and sending a clear message: criminal acts are not a form of entertainment or social currency.

Who Does the Law Target?

While the law applies broadly to serious offenders, it particularly aims to address youth offenders. Young people are more likely to use social media as a platform to gain attention, and this behaviour can escalate the harm caused by their crimes.

This legislation is part of a wider package of reforms aimed at addressing youth crime in Victoria, including measures to support victims and strengthen community safety.

Penalties for Breaching the ‘Post and Boast’ Law

If convicted under this new legislation, offenders face:

Up to two additional years of imprisonment added to their existing sentence
Significant fines

Legal Considerations and Challenges

Defending a charge under the new ‘post and boast’ laws requires careful legal expertise. Key issues often include:

Proof of Posting: Establishing that the accused actually posted or shared the content
Context of the Content: Whether the content explicitly relates to the offence or if it is incidental
Intent: Whether the person intended to boast or publicise the crime
Secondary Sharing: Whether individuals who shared the content knowingly contributed to the offence

Given the complexity of evidence, including digital forensics and social media analysis, it is crucial to have a legal team experienced in criminal law and digital evidence.

How Elbob & Stephenson Legal Can Help

If you or someone you know is charged with an offence related to the new ‘post and boast’ legislation, it is vital to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible.

At Elbob & Stephenson Legal, we provide:

Detailed assessment of the charges and evidence
Skilled representation in court to protect your rights
Strategic advice on how to navigate the legal process and minimise penalties

Our experienced criminal law team understands the nuances of the new laws and will work tirelessly to ensure fair treatment and a robust defence.

Contact Us

If you have been charged or are concerned about how the new ‘post and boast’ laws may affect you, contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Victoria’s Post and Boast laws came into effect in June 2025 as part of the state’s crackdown on criminals who share their offences on social media platforms.

The Post and Boast laws apply to serious violent crimes including aggravated burglary, armed robbery, and carjacking. The legislation targets offenders who share videos, photos, or posts about these specific offences on social media.

Yes, Victoria’s Post and Boast laws extend to anyone who shares criminal content, not just the original offender. If you knowingly share videos or images of covered crimes, you may face additional penalties under this legislation.

Potential defences may include challenging proof of posting, questioning the intent to boast about the crime, examining the context of shared content, or disputing whether the content explicitly relates to the offence. Each case requires individual legal assessment.

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