A controversial Victorian youth detention centre, Malmsbury Youth Detention Centre, is set to reopen next year with 30 beds for young people aged 17 and over who are remanded in custody under the state’s new bail laws.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan highlighted that tougher bail laws have led to an increase in young people on remand, citing “repeat patterns of brazen and violent offending” among children.
The facility, closed two years ago following riots, violence, and escape attempts, will now be upgraded in infrastructure and security, while aiming to offer “more tailored” rehabilitation programs. Reopening is also intended to relieve pressure on Cherry Creek and Parkville Youth Detention Centres by diverting low-risk offenders.
Ex-staff members, however, have expressed shock and concern over the reopening. Former youth justice worker Shelley Parker, who suffers chronic PTSD after witnessing violent incidents at the centre, described the reopening as “another band-aid” approach by the government.
The government plans to recruit 114 staff members to operate the 60-year-old facility, while the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) emphasized the need for safe, sustainable working conditions to retain skilled personnel.
Remand rates for young people in Victoria have risen 46 percent year-on-year, prompting the government to take action to accommodate the increasing number of youth offenders in custody.
