Workers at the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre have been treated with utter disrespect as the Labor
Government continues to waste taxpayer dollars, Nationals MP Gaelle Broad said today.
Ms Broad said she felt for the 240 Malmsbury workers who yesterday found out the centre was
closing after a botched email process.
“This is a very difficult time and the Government’s poor handling of this shows a genuine lack of
respect for staff,” Ms Broad said.
Staff first learned of the news through an email sent on Tuesday, which was later retracted before an
‘official’ announcement was made.
“This clearly shows a lack of planning and proper consultation by this government,” Ms Broad said.
“I am very concerned for the staff who now face uncertainty.”
Ms Broad said the government continued to waste taxpayer dollars – closing a facility they spent tens
of millions upgrading just three years ago.
The government has spent a further $500 million building a new facility at Cherry Creek near
Werribee.
“Youth crime rates are rising. Data from the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency shows that offences
committed by young people aged 10 to 14 increased by 37.7 per cent over the past year, while
overall youth crime is up 18 per cent.
“Violent crime and home invasions are increasing, while there are thousands of court cases
backlogged in our legal system.
“These trends are deeply concerning and demonstrate the need for greater action to keep at-risk
young Victorians connected with the education system, community, and job opportunities so they
have the best chance to stay on the right path.
“The government has handled this whole process very badly,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
