Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:20): Last month was Liver Awareness Month. Liver cancer is now one of the fastest growing causes of cancer deaths in Australia. But thanks to modern treatments, around 65 per cent of these deaths are preventable. Conditions like untreated hepatitis B and C are major contributors, but with awareness, testing and treatment, this can change. We know that people who are in the justice system are more likely to be impacted by hepatitis C. That is why we have an extensive hepatitis C testing and treatment program right across our corrections facilities. Over the past three years hepatitis C treatments delivered inside prisons have accounted for more than 30 per cent of all treatments in our state.

By focusing on high-risk cohorts, the corrections system is playing its part in achieving the goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030. We can only do this with the support of dedicated medical experts, doctors and nurses with the skills and compassion to connect with people who are hard to reach. Recently I was thrilled to see the C No More mobile testing and treatment service in action at the Reservoir Justice Service Centre. This initiative, delivered by St Vincent’s Hospital and the Burnet Institute, provides accessible and rapid testing and same-day treatment for people completing community corrections orders. Operating from a specially equipped van parked conveniently close to the justice service centre, the C No More service is highly accessible to people attending their mandatory supervision sessions, and it is working. Between September 2023 and March 2025, 61 people were diagnosed through this service, and 97 per cent of those commenced treatment.

I want to thank all the hardworking professionals striving to eliminate hepatitis C from Victoria and particularly our corrections system. Their work is improving public health, transforming lives and helping build a healthier Victoria for everyone.