Life terms introduced for 'evil' Victorian gangs who recruit children

The government is increasing the penalties for people who recruit children to commit crime. (Supplied)

The Victorian government is introducing life jail terms for people who recruit children to commit serious crimes.

The move is in response to organised crime syndicates recruiting children to carry out firebombings and home invasions.

The government is also tightening eligibility and strengthening background checks for firearms licences in Victoria.

Organised crime figures who recruit children could face life in prison under new maximum penalties introduced by the Victorian government.

The move comes amid concerns organised crime groups are recruiting children to carry out firebombings of hospitality venues and other serious crimes.

Crime syndicates are using encrypted digital platforms to recruit vulnerable teenagers with intellectual disabilities, low IQ and no criminal history.

Police are investigating a second suspicious fire at a South Melbourne gym in as many days.

Statistics released earlier this year showed youth offenders were responsible for more than half of all home invasions and carjackings in the state.

The Victorian government said a new offence of recruiting a child to commit a serious crime, which it announced in November, will be introduced into state parliament today.

"Hiring children to carry out your dirty work for profit is evil," a statement said.

Recruiting a child to commit an offence is already a crime, but the new legislation increases the penalty from 10 to 15 years in prison to a maximum penalty of life in jail.

"Organised crime bosses who recruit kids to torch venues and invade homes deserve no sympathy," Premier Jacinta Allan said.

The Victorian government said 64 charges of recruiting a child to carry out a crime had already been laid.

Police say organised crime syndicates are recruiting children for firebombings, carjackings and home invasions. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)

"These laws send a clear message — those who recruit children to commit crime will face the full force of the law," Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said.

Police have made 65 arrests and laid 370 charges as part of Operation Eclipse, which targets crime syndicates behind a string of recent firebombings.

The government is also introducing changes to the state's firearms laws that restrict licences to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens who are permanent residents and non-citizens who need a firearm for work.

It is also promising to strengthen background checks on people applying for firearms licences.

The changes follow a review of