Tuesday, 29 August 2023

Ministers statements: victim and witness support

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:38): Last week I was pleased to officially open the Garragarrak victim and witness support centre. This wonderful space, funded by investments by the Andrews Labor government, is the new home of the intermediary program and the newly renamed child and youth witness service. These services play a critical role in providing access to justice by providing special support to children, young people and adults with a cognitive disability who are taking part in the court process as witnesses.

The new centre uses state-of-the-art technology to support this and provides a space where children and young people feel welcome, valued and safe. The building’s fit-out has been specifically designed in a trauma-informed way, with everything from the doorways to the lighting and furnishings being especially designed to make the difficult experience of engaging with the justice system more comfortable. Having the child and youth witness service and the intermediary program located at Garragarrak will also ensure the experience of these young people is as seamless as possible.

The name ‘Garragarrak’ means dragonfly in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people. The dragonfly embodies transformation, power, change and adaptability. These qualities resonate strongly with the victim and witness support centre’s approach to supporting victims of crime. We are committed to a victim support system that respects victims’ rights and helps them to fully participate in the justice system. Garragarrak is the latest milestone in our government’s ongoing efforts to improve the victim support system in our state. I would like to express thanks for and acknowledge the work that has gone into making this project a reality, especially after hearing from the staff of the unique challenges they faced during the pandemic. It is great to see it being brought to fruition. I know that I and all the guests that were there – members of the judiciary and our support partners in Victoria Police – were all very impressed with the facilities. I look forward to its continued service to the people of Victoria.