Tuesday, 3 March 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:21): I know I speak on everyone’s behalf when I say our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the recent bushfires, particularly the family of Maxwell Hobson, who sadly lost his life. Bushfires cause devastation for so many people, but at the same time these emergencies also bring out the very best in Victorians. Recovery from the disasters requires everyone to band together, and over recent weeks we have seen ordinary Victorians come together to provide practical help and assistance to people in need. This includes those in our regional correctional facilities who are doing their bit to assist with bushfire recovery. Corrections Victoria’s environmental program Landmate has been active in fire-affected communities, particularly around Streatham. Landmate is a highly successful initiative that has provided support for environmental projects throughout Victoria for over 25 years. This includes small groups of minimum-security prisoners working under close supervision to replace fences on fire-affected farms. This program has helped prisoners develop real-world skills and give back to the community while also providing practical help for those in need. The important work they do is helping our farmers contain livestock and maintain their livelihoods.

I want to take this opportunity to also acknowledge the advocacy of the member for Ripon in the other place for helping more local farmers to access this valuable support. Regional prisons have donated over 170 bales of feed harvested from prison farms. This will go directly to fire-affected farmers to help them feed their livestock over the coming months. Recovering from emergencies requires a whole-of-community response, and sometimes that help comes from unexpected places. Finally, I want to thank our hardworking corrections officers that support these important programs and make a difference for communities across our state.