Wednesday, 19 June 2024

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:36): (572) My question is to the Minister for Corrections. Minister, in recent years tens of millions of taxpayer dollars were spent refurbishing the Malmsbury juvenile justice centre, which despite rising youth crime, has been shut down. The federal government, local councils and other potential investors have toured the site as part of sounding out the market. Minister, what is the alternative plan for this expensive asset?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:36): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question and his interest in our Malmsbury facilities. I am proud to say that as a government we have invested in new infrastructure across our youth justice system and particularly our state-of-the-art Cherry Creek facility, which does take what works, evidence led. It was a key recommendation of the Armytage–‍Ogloff report to incorporate intensive treatment and care for young people, including medical supports and vocational and educational opportunities for young people in our custody and care. We take that very seriously. I want to thank the staff that work in our system at both our Parkville and Cherry Creek facilities and also thank the staff at Malmsbury, who did a fantastic job and worked very hard to keep us all safe but also to give these young people the best opportunity to turn around their lives, for over five decades. In relation to the use of that site, we have been very clear that there will be a community-led process. No decision has been made. In terms of the machinery of government, it has been transferred to Treasury in terms of the future planning for the site, so that question may be more appropriately answered by the Treasurer. The site has been handed over to Treasury, if that assists Mr Mulholland.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:38): I will note that the minister has spoken publicly in the media about options for this site, so it seems to be in his portfolio – at least he is commenting on it. The shutdown of the Malmsbury juvenile justice centre saw many local jobs lost. How will you ensure this taxpayer-funded asset is not left to rot?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:38): Thank you, Mr Mulholland, for the supplementary question. What I will say is I did make an announcement at the time. I said that there will be a community-led process, and Treasury is looking at those options. I know the local members are fighting very hard to put it to the best use possible, because that is what responsible governments do and responsible members of Parliament do. I look forward to that process. But as it stands now it is a site that was part of our youth justice system. It no longer is part of our youth justice system. Treasury is now in charge of that site, so I would request that future questions be directed to the Treasurer.