Malmsbury youth detention centre to shut down before the year ends, following a history of issues.

Malmsbury Youth Detention Centre in Victoria to Close by End of 2023

The Malmsbury Youth Detention Centre in Victoria is set to close by the end of the year, following years of incidents and attacks on staff. Workers at the centre were informed of the closure at a meeting on Tuesday afternoon. The Victorian Department of Justice had previously pleaded guilty to workplace safety breaches, resulting in a $100,000 fine. It is hoped that the workers will have the opportunity to be redeployed at other sites in Parkville and the new Cherry Creek precinct, which is scheduled to open by August. The closure of the centre is expected to have a significant impact on the 240 employees, with some expressing their concern about future employment opportunities.

Plagued by Incidents

The closure of Malmsbury Youth Detention Centre follows years of incidents and attacks on staff, which have included riots and escape attempts. In 2020, a prison officer was attacked and dragged across the floor by two teenagers attempting to use her swipe card to escape from the centre. The closure was announced in part due to the ageing infrastructure of the facility and the limited opportunities for education and one-on-one engagement for the young people held there. The opposition party in Victoria has criticised the government for closing the centre and opening the new Cherry Creek facility, claiming that youth crime has not decreased and that the state is experiencing violent crimes and home invasions.

Philosophical Discussion – Youth Detention Centres

The closure of Malmsbury Youth Detention Centre raises broader questions about the use and effectiveness of such institutions. The aim of youth detention centres is to provide a safe and secure environment for young people who have been involved in criminal activities. These centres are often touted as providing opportunities for rehabilitation and positive intervention in the lives of young people who have made poor choices. However, the closure of Malmsbury serves as a reminder that such centres are not always effective, and their use raises ethical concerns about the welfare of young people involved, particularly when they are subjected to incidents of violence and abuse.

Editorial and Advice

While the closure of Malmsbury Youth Detention Centre is a significant development, it does not mean an end to youth crime or the challenges that it presents. The government’s focus should be on addressing the root causes of youth crime, including ensuring that young people have access to education, employment, and mental health support that can provide a pathway to a positive future. Additionally, the government should prioritise creating safe and supportive communities that can help young people to avoid involvement in criminal activities in the first place. Institutions, such as youth detention centres, should only be used as a last resort and should be subject to rigorous oversight and accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of all those involved, including staff and young people.