Wednesday, 16 August 2023

Ministers statements: youth justice system

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:15): In my youth justice portfolio our core commitment is keeping the community safe while helping young people turn their lives around. But as a government we are focused on preventing young people from coming into contact with the criminal justice system in the first place. That is why we are investing in the community to provide healthy activities and safe places for young people before they enter the youth justice system.

Last week I had the pleasure of announcing $500,000 in grants across six community organisations as part of our partnership with Victoria’s South Sudanese community. This builds on our government’s ongoing investment in early intervention and diversion programs. These programs deliver opportunities for young people so they can live happy and successful lives as part of Victoria’s multicultural community. By partnering with community and culturally and linguistically diverse groups, we are investing in programs and ideas informed by what communities need. These grants support the work of the South Sudanese–Australian youth justice expert working group. We know that these investments and programs mean young people are less likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system. We will continue to invest in projects with the support of the South Sudanese community and help their young people turn their lives around and be positive and vibrant out in the community.

The next round of community grants are open, and I recommend to people in South Sudanese community groups and other not-for-profits that have targeted programs to apply. Our government is focused on preventing young people from coming into contact with the criminal justice system in the first place. We are not just talking about, we are acting on it. We are doing what matters.