Aboriginal women’s transitional housing facility
Mr CARROLL (Niddrie—Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (13:23): We know that reducing the over-representation in the criminal justice system of women and improving their connections to community is a key focus for our government, particularly when it comes to Aboriginal women. We know Aboriginal women are experiencing the fastest rate of growth and over-representation in the criminal justice system, which is why I was so proud recently to join the member for Footscray, a great champion of addressing homelessness and a great champion for marginalised women, to open up a brand-new Aboriginal transitional facility in Melbourne’s western suburbs. These six units will provide stable transitional housing for Aboriginal women, including some of their children, that are leaving prison and are at risk of homelessness. As Minister for Corrections as well as Minister for Victim Support, Minister for Youth Justice and Minister for Crime Prevention, I do believe a holistic approach is well and truly required in protecting the community and preventing crime before it occurs. That is why our government has invested $840 000 in this facility. But just as importantly, we have also engaged the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service to provide case management and support to all the residents. I want to thank the Aboriginal legal service, Aboriginal Housing Victoria, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice and Community Safety for all their work. It is very important work.
We do know there is more work to do, but this is a strong commitment from our government to reduce the growth of female prisoner numbers more broadly, in particular the over-representation of our First Australians, in particular Aboriginal women. The Aboriginal transitional housing facility is a unique and targeted project that will help transform the life trajectories of Aboriginal women who otherwise would be facing completely different futures. I commend this project.