Victoria’s Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre to Close by Year End Affecting 240 Jobs
Introduction
Victoria’s Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, which holds young people up to the age of 22 has been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent years due to safety and security concerns. In a major development, the Victorian government has announced the closure of the facility, affecting approximately 240 employees. The news of the closure has come as a shock to the staff and the community amidst concerns of job security.
Facility to Close by End of 2023
The Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre in Victoria will be shut by the end of the year, and its 240 employees will be impacted. The decision came after consultations and discussions with the Youth Justice Commissioner Andrea Davidson, who highlighted safety and security issues and the need for better infrastructure. The center will be decommissioned in early 2024, and all young people in custody will be transferred to other facilities such as Parkville and Cherry Creek.
Factors That Led to the Closure
Several reasons have been cited for the closure of the facility, which includes a considerable reduction in young people in custody, a reduction of dual track young people, and the availability of new infrastructure at the Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct. The newly constructed Cherry Creek center offers state-of-the-art technology, such as CCTV and metal detectors, in creating “a different model of engaging young people.”
Impact on Employees and the Community
The shutdown of the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre has drawn criticism from the opposition’s corrections spokesman, Brad Battin, stating that this move is appalling given that the compounding millions spent on the facility’s expansion in 2020. The decision to close the much-needed institution has also created concern about the potential job loss for approximately 240 employees, affecting their livelihoods and job security.
Transition Program for Staff
With the announcement from the Youth Justice Commissioner that eligible staff who choose to remain with the facility would receive “financial incentives” over the coming months, the state government has moved slowly in supporting the workers’ transition to other sectors or redeployment. The community and the Public Sector Union Victorian Branch are calling for the government to take adequate steps in ensuring employee’s benefits, job security, and safety.
Editorial and Advice
The government’s decision to close the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre could be seen as a knee-jerk reaction to multiple problems arising due to aging infrastructure and the facility’s inadequate capacity to provide essential services to young people in custody. There should be more transparency and adequate communication to stakeholders, especially staff and the community. The government must establish a clear education and training program to reorient the staff who will get likely impacted by this decision.
The government can support the workers by assisting in finding alternative employment and for those choosing to stay for the remaining months, provide suitable compensation and job security. The closure affects society as a whole, and thus, the government should take more significant steps to strengthen the Youth Justice System by investing more resources and building modern facilities equipped with advanced technology.
Conclusion
The decision to close the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre has disrupted the daily lives of persons who were dependent on this facility. The news has left employees, young persons in the system, and the community distraught. The government must take adequate steps to provide support and transparency. It should take a more comprehensive approach that ensures a smooth and secure transition for both staff and young persons in custody. The Victoria Youth Justice System is at a crossroads, and strong leadership, investment in infrastructure, and enhanced technology are critical to building a robust and modern system for young persons.
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