Thursday, 3 April 2025

Ministers statements: youth justice system

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:15): I rise today to update the house on the electronic monitoring trial, part of our government’s commitment to strengthening community safety. Last sitting week the Parliament passed the toughest bail laws in the nation as well as legislating a crackdown on machetes – targeted reforms aimed directly at reducing offending and keeping all Victorians safe. We are also getting on with the job of delivering the trial of electronic monitoring, providing courts with a new tool to ensure bail conditions are complied with and keeping the community safe. I am pleased to advise the house that the regulations have been made and this week confirm the trial will start later this month as planned.

Once operational the two-year trial will support up to 50 young people at any one time across metropolitan Melbourne. And this program is about more than just electronic monitoring bracelets. It is also about providing more intensive supervision and support for young people on bail to safeguard the community while the matter is before the courts. That includes strengthened case management and coordinated wraparound services that focus on stability, structure and clear expectations for young people to help them back onto a better path. It is about helping ensure young people are complying with their bail conditions and taking accountability for their actions.

We know that targeted intervention and support can prevent more serious offending down the track, and that ultimately makes our community safer into the long term. This is not just about being tough; it is about being smarter. Electronic monitoring is just another tool to help to keep young people accountable, on track and out of further trouble. This program, along with our other justice reforms, is about doing more of what works to keep our community safe.