Thursday, 30 May 2024

Ministers statements: the Torch

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:05): I rise to update the house on a fantastic program in my corrections portfolio, the Torch’s In Prison program. The Torch is an Aboriginal-led organisation that has a longstanding positive relationship with Corrections Victoria. They assist Aboriginal people in contact with the criminal justice system to use art to reconnect with culture, foster community connections and learn vital skills that support rehabilitation and reintegration after prison.

This is an important time for the Torch. Their major annual exhibition, Confined 15, is currently on at the Glen Eira City Council gallery. The exhibition is showing over 400 artworks, all created by participants in the program, giving the artists a public platform to promote their work and express their cultural identity. I would encourage everyone in this place and anyone watching to get down to Glen Eira gallery to see the exhibition for themselves, as I know my good friend Mr Batchelor, as one of our representatives in Southern Metropolitan, did last week with a number of brilliant Aboriginal wellbeing officers, who are working hard every day inside our correctional facilities. But you need to be quick: the exhibition is closing on Sunday. For those watching, you have got until Sunday, so this week is your last chance to see these stunning creations until next year.

I am also very pleased to inform the house of the Allan Labor government’s ongoing commitment to the Torch. The 2024–25 budget provides over $3 million to maintain this important program for many years to come. In my role as minister I regularly hear from Aboriginal partners about the importance of maintaining cultural connections for Aboriginal people who are involved in our justice system, and Aboriginal people do remain over-represented in our system. That is why I am proud to be part of a government that has made this ongoing commitment, a four-year commitment and an ongoing commitment after that – $3 million. We do not just talk about working with Aboriginal people, we walk the talk. I want to congratulate everyone at the Torch and all of the artists involved on another successful exhibition. Thank you again for your great work.