Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:47): (341) My question is to the Minister for Corrections. The department of justice has confirmed a serious incident occurred yesterday at the Cherry Creek youth justice facility. The department has briefed media that it was resolved peacefully and without any form of injury. Can you give a guarantee that yesterday’s serious incident caused no harm to inmates or staff and that there were no assaults or injuries of any kind?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:48): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question and his interest in our Cherry Creek youth justice precinct. I have had the opportunity to talk in this chamber before about the reform in our youth justice sector that is taking place. Victoria does have the lowest number of young people per capita in custodial settings, which is proof of the success of the work that our government has done investing not just in my portfolio but across the whole of government in early intervention and in diversion programs that really are making a difference. We are at our lowest point this century in terms of the average number of young people in custodial settings. In relation to the incident that occurred yesterday, I can confirm that there was an incident at Cherry Creek youth justice precinct yesterday, which was quickly and peacefully resolved by our youth justice staff. I have been advised that the CFA were called to fix a sprinkler, and I am happy to report that there have been no young people or staff injured. I once again want to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated and passionate staff in our youth justice system.
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:49): Last time there was a serious incident at a youth justice facility your department also briefed the media that there were no assaults or injuries; however, we know that was not the case. There were in fact several serious physical and non-physical injuries, including a staff member held hostage and a young person who sustained life-altering injuries. How can the Victorian public have faith that the answers from you and your department over yesterday’s incident are fulsome, given that false information was knowingly issued last time?
The PRESIDENT: I do not know if it is a supplementary to the substantive, but it is also asking for an opinion. I am happy, Mr Mulholland, if you want to rephrase your supplementary question.
Evan MULHOLLAND: Can the Victorian public have faith in the answers from you and your department?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:50): I thank Mr Mulholland for his poorly worded supplementary question, but I will say that I can guarantee that we will continue to invest in our youth justice system. We will continue to invest in our facilities, in better training and in better conditions for our staff and give these young people the best chance to turn their lives around. In relation to the previous incident, if you paid attention to question time, I answered that that matter was referred to Victoria Police and Victoria Police are investigating that matter. In relation to the incident yesterday, like I said, it was resolved quite peacefully by the staff. It was not referred to Victoria Police, and there is no ongoing investigation.