Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Ministers statements: Maribyrnong community residential facility

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:38): Five years ago the Maribyrnong community residential facility opened its doors with a clear purpose: to make our community safer by helping people exiting the justice system rebuild their lives. I was pleased to celebrate its fifth anniversary last week. Community residential facilities are sometimes described as the last step in a person’s journey through the justice system. I prefer to think of them as the first step back – back to housing, work, family, community and culture. The evidence is simple: people leaving custody with transitional housing, employment and social support provided are far less likely to reoffend, which means we are all safer.

Over 300 men have transitioned through this facility. The vast majority have successfully reintegrated into the community properly, practically and with dignity. I was honoured to hear the stories of some who have transitioned, like Heath, who struggled with alcohol addiction, substance abuse and repeated reoffending but is now renting, sober and a proud car owner. He is engaging with his family, and I was really heartened to hear he was welcomed back to the family Christmas. Judy spoke about her son Travis, who had a difficult time with substance abuse, and how crucial this facility was in getting him back on track.

Five years in, the Maribyrnong community residential facility has proven a simple truth: when we invest in people, we invest in safety. This facility works because it does the basics well and does human things even better. It is not possible without the organisations and people who make it happen day in, day out. To everyone who has played a role, I want to say a big thankyou. To the hardworking and dedicated staff at Maribyrnong, Corrections Victoria, Jesuit Social Services and G4S: a big thankyou. Happy fifth anniversary, and here is to more years of safer streets and stronger lives.