"There will be no private juvenile justice facility (under) a Labor Government."
With those words, new Victorian Minister for Community Services, Ms Christine Campbell protected a group of the most vulnerable children and young people in our community from becoming fodder for the
profit-driven privatised corrections industry. It is consistent with the position she adopted from the first day that she took on the portfolio as shadow Minister.
DCI-Australia was a lead organisation in the demanding and high profile campaign against the privatisation proposals advanced by the former Minister, Dr. Denis Napthine. Our stance emphasised the
glaring gaps in current diversionary systems and community based options, and the grave dangers of physical and emotional harm in a centre built, owned and operated and operated for the purposes of
profit.
There is no doubt that the strength of controversy and opposition we helped to generate was a key factor in preventing the former State Government from locking in a private contract arrangement prior
to the September 1999 Victorian election.
DCI-Australia congratulates the Minister for taking an anti-privatisation / pro-children's rights stance. We look forward to assisting the new government develop policies and programs that
minimise the demand for detention beds,
See the Following Paper
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