Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:20): Today I rise to update the chamber on a further expansion at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre. Under the Allan Labor government community safety always comes first, and we make no apologies for that. Our tough new bail laws are working, and youth remand numbers are up around 40 per cent since the reforms came into effect. With our adult time for violent crime reforms commencing at the end of February, we are planning for further growth in custodial numbers. That is why we are delivering a further 45 beds at Malmsbury, building on the 30 beds I announced late last year. A total of 75 beds will ensure we have the capacity in place to keep violent young offenders off the streets and keep the community safe. It also provides more flexibility within the system to manage different cohorts and deliver targeted rehabilitation programs. To support this expanded capacity, more than 100 new youth justice workers will be recruited, supporting local jobs and building on strong investments in our workforce across our youth justice system. We will be opening this important facility in consultation – consultation with the local community of Malmsbury, consultation with the Macedon Ranges shire and consultation with the traditional owners. We are backing our community safety reforms, and we will continue doing what is necessary to keep all Victorians safe.