Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Ministers statements: Langi Kal Kal Prison

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:25): Our corrections system is focused on keeping Victorians safe now and into the future. An important part of that work is helping prepare people in custody for successful reintegration back into the community, and we know that community reintegration and low recidivism hinge on giving people the opportunity to gain stable employment upon their release. Prisons across our state offer a range of employment-focused programs, and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Langi Kal Kal Prison in the electorate of Ripon, ably represented by Martha Haylett in the other place, to see one of these programs in action. The ‘happy hens’ program commenced in 2014 with 800 free-range hens using one fixed roosting house. With new roosting houses being built in the past year by prisoners at Langi Kal Kal, the operation has grown significantly to 4500 hens. They are expecting to produce 1.4 million eggs –

Members interjecting.

Katherine Copsey: On a point of order, President, and apologies for interrupting the minister, I am literally sitting next to him, and I am actually interested in this minister’s statement, so I wonder if he could be heard in silence.

The PRESIDENT: Yes. I uphold the point of order, and maybe some of the minister’s colleagues can give him a chop out in this way as well.

Enver ERDOGAN: As I was saying, they are expecting to produce 1.4 million eggs this year. This will support the 30 men who are part of the rotational roster that do this work, which includes caring for the hens, maintaining their housing and fencing, and completing any administrative work that is required. This has become a sustainable enterprise that helps the prison system have money while providing food for people in custody, and all the profits are reinvested back into prison industries.

This program would not be possible without the active support of the general manager Andy Langley and the hardworking staff at Langi Kal Kal. I want to thank them for the work they do 365 days a year. Corrections Victoria have already been recognised internationally for their effective inside to outside jobs program that helps people turn their lives around, and we are leading the nation, with 90 per cent of those in custody engaged in work. By supporting people in prison to gain the skills to lead productive lives, we are doing our bit to keep all Victorians safe.