Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Ministers statements: Australian Corrections Medal

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:12): I rise today to celebrate the achievements of three fantastic, outstanding individuals within our corrections system who have been awarded the Australian Corrections Medal in the recent Australia Day awards. The corrections medal is a national award that recognises the efforts of staff that provide distinguished service in our corrections system.

First, I would like to congratulate Mark Nestor, who has dedicated more than 36 years to Corrections Victoria. As the vocational services manager at Barwon Prison, he has assisted many staff in transforming the prisoner education programs and rehabilitation programs there. His approach has revolutionised case management practices and has delivered targeted programs that address criminogenic needs.

Next, I would like to recognise Rebecca Linnett, whose 25 years of service in community corrections has been marked by exceptional leadership and innovation. As the regional supervisor for court assessment and prosecution services in the Hume region, Rebecca has played a pivotal role in enhancing the role that community corrections plays across the eight regional courts. Her efforts in developing training programs, regional court list registers and court report vetting workshops have made a big difference to the staff and the overall efficiency in our systems, delivering better safety outcomes for the community.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Tanya Zita for her 19 years of service in various offender-facing roles. Tanya is the manager of court practices at Broadmeadows Justice Service Centre and is known for her proactive approach to staff development, incident response and workplace safety.

Thank you, Mark, Rebecca and Tanya, for your ongoing contributions to the corrections system and your commitment to keeping Victorians safe from crime.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister was not being provocative. He was actually acknowledging some people I think we would all agree can be acknowledged. Minister, I am going to ask you to start from the start, and if you get interrupted again, I am going to ask you to start from the start again. Could we reset the clock.

Enver ERDOGAN: Thank you, President. I rise today to celebrate the achievements of three outstanding individuals within our corrections system that have been awarded the Australian Corrections Medal in the recent Australia Day awards. The corrections medal is a national award that recognises the efforts of staff who have provided distinguished service in the corrections system.

First, I would like to congratulate Mark Nestor, who has dedicated more than 36 years of service to Corrections Victoria. As the vocational services manager at Barwon Prison, Mark has been instrumental in transforming prisoner education and rehabilitation programs. His approach has revolutionised case management practices and has delivered targeted programs that address criminogenic needs.

Next, I would like to recognise Rebecca Linnett, whose 25 years of service with community corrections have been marked by exceptional leadership and innovation. As the regional supervisor for court assessment and prosecution services in the Hume region, Rebecca has played a pivotal role in enhancing the role that community corrections plays across eight regional courts. Her efforts in developing training programs, regional court list registers and court report meeting workshops have made a big difference for the staff and for overall efficiency, delivering better outcomes for the community.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Tanya Zita for her 19 years of service in a number of offender-facing roles. Tanya is the manager of the court practice at Broadmeadows Justice Service Centre and is known for her proactive approach to staff development, incident response and workplace safety.

Thank you, Mark, Rebecca and Tanya, for your ongoing contributions to the corrections system and your commitment to keeping Victorians safe. Your achievements are a testament to the incredible work done by corrections staff right across our state. I am sure everyone in this place joins me in recognising your efforts. I say thank you.