Tuesday, 16 June 2026

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:09): (1350) My question is to the Minister for Police. At the recent PAEC hearings the minister confirmed that remand numbers overall have risen by 70 per cent following the government’s bail changes, but people are consequently remaining in police cells for prolonged periods while awaiting transfer. Police cells are not designed to replicate or replace prison cells, and police officers should not be required to operate a parallel custody system to service the government’s incompetence on bail reforms. The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service says its staff have had to sometimes strongly advocate for an ambulance to be called and that in one case a person very nearly lost their life. VALS has warned that prolonged detention in police cells is creating a very dangerous situation and could lead to another entirely preventable Aboriginal death in custody. What immediate changes have been made to Victoria Police custody and health protocols in response to that warning?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:10): I thank Ms Copsey for her question for the Minister for Police in the other place. I will make sure, in line with the standing orders, I get a written response.

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:10): Thank you, Minister. VALS has reported that a man held in police cells for 26 days experienced a significant decline in his health without access to medication. Police cells have no onsite medical staff, and they are designed for short-term custody. Will the minister order an urgent, independent clinical audit of health care in police custody, including medication failures, delayed ambulance call-outs and hospital transfers, and publish the findings and required remedial action?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:11): I thank Ms Copsey for her question and her concern in relation to these matters. I will make sure that is referred to the Minister for Police in the other place for a response, in line with the standing orders.