Wednesday, 2 August 2023

Ministers statements: Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:39): Last week I had the pleasure of attending Cherry Creek with the Treasurer and member for Werribee in the other place to formally open our newest youth justice precinct. Opening Cherry Creek is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to continue to improve our youth justice system and drive better outcomes for the young people across our state. Cherry Creek is a new way of doing youth justice. It puts rehabilitation and safety at the heart of the custodial experience – safety for staff, safety for young people and safety for the whole Victorian community.

The Treasurer and I welcomed the latest graduating squad, who have just completed their professional training and are getting ready to be deployed ahead of the first intake of young people later this month. Squad 4 are known for their no-nonsense attitudes and cool heads under pressure. I really enjoyed getting to meet the graduating class and listening and talking to them about what they learned from their training and why they were there. They were an articulate and thoughtful bunch who came together from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to work in a fulfilling career in our youth justice system. Our youth justice staff do amazing work in incredibly challenging circumstances, and I would like to again thank them for their dedication and service.

Our youth justice staff do an incredible job, as I stated, but Cherry Creek could not have come to fruition if it was not for the foresight of the Treasurer himself but also my predecessors, the many youth justice ministers such as Ms Tierney in this place but also Mr Carroll, Ms Kilkenny and Ms Hutchins. They all contributed to the vision of a youth justice system that has a different approach and puts the rehabilitation of these young people first. Providing a modern youth justice facility is an essential part of the Victorian government’s commitment to improving community safety and modernising our youth justice system. Cherry Creek brings together best practice and is part of our continued investment in our youth justice system. This will provide the young people in our care with the best chance to turn their lives around and be the best versions of themselves.