Thursday, 20 February 2025

Ministers statements: Australasian Youth Justice Acknowledgement Day Awards

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:18): I rise today to update the house and to congratulate two recipients of the Australasian Youth Justice Acknowledgement Day Awards. Earlier this week I was able to acknowledge and recognise three recipients of the adult Australian Corrections Medal, but this time it is our youth justice team’s turn. Our nominees were chosen among strong competition from other candidates from across Australia and New Zealand. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Brooke Nam, a proud Aboriginal staff member with more than 17 years of service in youth justice. Brooke took home the Individual Exceptional Practice Award for her work fostering community partnerships and improving cultural safety for young people. I would also like to recognise our Grampians region youth justice team, who were awarded the Team Exceptional Practice Award for leading the team in terms of inclusive and responsive practice.

These awards for Brooke and the Grampians team are a recognition of their dedication and hard work, something I know is happening on a daily basis in our youth justice system across Victoria, both in custody and out in the community. Youth justice staff show up every day to protect the community, support rehabilitation and give young people the opportunity to turn their lives around. Their work is not easy, but it is critical for providing structure, guidance and support to those young people and helping them find a better path. By holding young offenders accountable while also addressing the root causes of offending, youth justice staff play a crucial role in building a safer community for all. To all the youth justice staff across the state, I say thank you for your commitment and for the important work you do. Congratulations, Brooke and the Grampians youth justice team.