Tuesday, 15 October 2024

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:29): I rise today to inform the house of the wonderful achievements of the Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place, a key part of our government’s commitment to reducing Aboriginal over-representation in the justice system. Located in beautiful Gippsland – I will add, a region very familiar to Minister Shing and Mr McIntosh – the unique residential diversion program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men on community correction orders, providing them support to complete their orders and connect to culture.

I had the pleasure of touring the facility with Shaun Braybrook, an inspirational leader and Aboriginal elder. I was provided with a spectacular welcome to country, with the current group of residents telling their stories and performing a series of cultural dances. The team at the learning place shared with me how they support their residents to complete their orders and give back to the local community. Through participation in different vocational and employment programs, the men increase their chances of employment, because we know how important having a secure job is to stopping reoffending.

Participation is voluntary, but since the centre opened in 2008, 307 men have successfully completed the program. Besides the requirements of the order, there are two topics that each resident must participate in: education – and when I say education, that includes life skills – and also a key cultural component, because we know connection to culture and community is a key part of addressing people’s behaviour. These programs integrate cultural connection with other practical skills, helping them turn their lives around.

The program has been internationally recognised and received an award from the International Corrections and Prisons Association. Wulgunggo Ngalu is just another example of what is possible when government and the Aboriginal community partner together, and that is exactly what the Labor government is committed to doing.