- Minister for Crime Prevention
The Andrews Labor Government is bringing together community, business and sporting leaders to help shape and drive a long-term crime prevention agenda for Victoria.
Minister for Crime Prevention Ben Carroll today launched the Crime Prevention taskforce at North Melbourne Football Club’s The Huddle, which has helped more than 60,000 young people improve their lives.
The Taskforce will support the Labor Government to come up with new and innovative programs that address key factors of offending, including getting a job and accessing education.
The Taskforce, to be Chaired by Minister Carroll, will consist of 14 members who will meet regularly over the next year to identify new ways to break the cycle of reoffending.
Taskforce members include leaders from the AFL, Melbourne Storm, Football Victoria, Basketball Victoria, National Australia Bank, Woolworths, Lendlease, Jesuit Social Services, Youth Advocating Youth, Aboriginal Justice Caucus, Victorian Council of Social Services and Trades Hall.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 includes $5 million to better address the causes of crime, as well as identifying new pathways to work and training, and initiatives focused on safe homes and communities.
The Taskforce will work closely with the community and government to develop these programs which will include job placements, mentoring support & educational assistance for at risk Victorians, giving them a second chance.
The Taskforce builds on the $22.7 million investment made as part the Victorian Budget 2019/20 to boost programs supporting crime prevention including diversion, rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
As noted by Minister for Crime Prevention Ben Carroll
“We need to stop the prison gatehouse being a turnstile for offenders – that’s why we’re bringing together community and business leaders to come up with new ways to prevent crime.”
“The best crime prevention measures are a job and a stable home. We can’t just be tough on crime, we need to be tough on the causes of crime.”
“The earlier we intervene in someone’s life the better chance we have of keeping them out of the justice system – that’s better for the community, it’s better for our economy and it’s better for young people.”
