Thursday, 16 November 2023

Ministers statements: prison programs

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:18): On Tuesday I had the opportunity to highlight Fruit2Work, who are providing employment opportunities to those exiting custody. Today I want to acknowledge a number of other fantastic Victorian employers that are providing meaningful opportunities for people leaving prison. We know how important having a job is in preventing reoffending – helping people turn their lives around and making us all safer in our communities. That is why Corrections Victoria has fostered relationships with a range of employers across the state who are providing employment opportunities for people leaving custody. Thanks to the government’s investment in the prison employment program along with an investment in TAFE, ably led by Minister Tierney, and vocational programs in prison, employers are lining up to provide opportunities to people leaving prison.

Just a few organisations that have worked closely with us and I wish to recognise today include Chandler Macleod, a national employment agency, but in particular their team in northern Victoria, in Shepparton; QA Steel Fixing, who are working closely with Jesuit Social Services to support people into employment in our construction sector; Second Chance Labour, a brilliant community organisation placing people in employment across our state; Yambuk Labour Solutions, providing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people predominantly around the Ballarat and Geelong areas; and of course Fruit2Work, who are based in Laverton North and are expanding into our south-eastern suburbs. Partnerships like these across the community are a vital part of our strategy to successfully transition people from custody back into the community in a way that makes us all safer.