Tuesday, 14 October 2025

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:28): Today is Australasian Youth Justice Acknowledgement Day, and I am pleased to update the house on the outstanding work of Victoria’s youth justice workforce. Recently I had the opportunity to recognise our workforce at the 2025 youth justice awards held at the State Library Victoria. These annual awards honour the extraordinary dedication of the people who work every day with some of the most vulnerable and challenging young people who have contact with the justice system. They do not just manage risk, they create opportunity.

The awards recognise excellence across key areas that underpin a strong youth justice system. The awards included the Aboriginal youth justice award, won by Peter Shane for improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and making a real difference; the diversity and inclusion award, won by Caitlin Emmanual, honouring inclusive practice and advocacy for young people from diverse backgrounds; the health, safety and wellbeing award, won by the west metro youth justice community team, recognising staff who go above and beyond in creating safe supportive workplaces; the collaboration and innovation award, won jointly by the system performance and workforce support and the youth justice group finance teams, celebrating creative thinking and new ideas that drive better outcomes; and of course the highest honour, the youth justice medal, awarded to Brooke, someone who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to better outcomes for young people and their families. More than 60 staff were also recognised and acknowledged for two decades of service – a remarkable contribution to safer communities and brighter futures. These workers do not seek the spotlight but they certainly deserve it. They rebuild lives, and in doing so make everyone safer. On this acknowledgement day I extend my warmest congratulations to every award recipient and to all those recognised for their long service. Their work may not always make the headlines, but it does make a difference. Thank you on behalf of the government.