A bill is being introduced into state parliament on Tuesday that will mean eligible minor convictions become "spent" after a decade and not show up in a person's police check.

It would be five years for a juvenile offence, but in all cases the scheme only applies if the person has not re-offended in the time period.

The scheme is designed to help people with employment opportunities, as well as when they try to secure housing or apply for volunteer work.

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Victoria Police currently have discretion about whether to disclose convictions.

The Victorian government says minor convictions particularly impact on those who are disproportionately represented in the justice system, such as Indignenous people and youths.

"A minor offence in the past should not be a life sentence - this scheme will break the cycle of disadvantage faced by too many Victorians as they seek to turn their lives around," Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said.

"People who have proven they are willing and able to change and make a positive contribution to society should be given every chance to do so."

Police and courts will continue to have full access to criminal history information and complete records will still be released when required for certain employers and third parties.

-AAP

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