Following the systemic failures of the Andrews Labor Government to provide a safe work environment for youth justice workers and young detainees, the Liberals and Nationals yesterday wrote to Worksafe Victoria and the Commission for Children and Young People requesting an inquiry into the full state of affairs in Victoria's youth justice facilities.
In January 2017, then Labor Youth Affairs Minister Jenny Mikakos was forced to deny she had lost control of the youth justice system. More than five years later, the system has still not improved under the current minister.
The escalating violence in Victoria’s youth justice facilities is completely unacceptable. Under the Andrews Labor Government, staff fear for their lives, while vulnerable young people are further traumatised and criminalised.
Shadow Minister for Youth Justice, Matt Bach said vulnerable youths were getting left behind by Labor.
“During the period of the last Liberals and Nationals Government, educational and mental health programs in youth justice were award-winning. Now they are non-existent.
“Far from acting to fix this crisis, the Andrews Labor Government does not even admit that it exists.”
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, Nick Wakeling said it was imperative that WorkSafe conduct these investigations.
“Labor’s more-of-the-same approach to youth justice facilities and rehabilitation has failed staff and continues to undermine the safety of vulnerable Victorians.
“WorkSafe must commit to conducting a full inquiry into the state of Victoria’s youth justice system so staff can come to work and be safe whilst doing so.”
Matt Bach MP Nick Wakeling MP
Shadow Minister for Youth Justice Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and
Workplace Safety