Victorian opposition launches youth bootcamp policy before election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 00:13 · Archive

Victoria's opposition plans to send young offenders aged 14 to 17 to mandatory bootcamps featuring farm work, education and physical training.

Victoria's Opposition Leader Jess Wilson will launch her election campaign on Sunday with a policy requiring young people convicted of crimes to attend bootcamps. The plan comes as both major parties prioritise crime ahead of the state election, with rival launches held less than two weeks from polling day.

Under the coalition pledge, young offenders would be sent to a mandatory, in-house program at the former Dhurringile Prison in central Victoria, inspired by Queensland's Circuit Breaker program. Courts would have the power to send offenders aged 14 to 17 to the bootcamp as an alternative to a community corrections order or other custodial sentence. Daily activities would include physical training, farm work, cleaning, maintenance and cooking, alongside education programs.

Coalition youth justice spokeswoman Renee Heath said the bootcamps would 'give young offenders structure, discipline and practical skills while making it clear that their actions have consequences'. Ms Wilson said the scheme would 'instil the discipline and respect lacking in so many young offenders and give them the skills they need to get on the right path'. Premier Ben Carroll announced a separate forced rehabilitation program for young offenders a week earlier, which attracted criticism from youth justice advocates. Labor's previous announcement involved $204 million for mandatory therapeutic orders for young offenders.

How it is being reported

• Bootcamp plan for youth unveiled for election launchRival party launches will be held less than two weeks before the Victorian state election as the government and opposition zero in on crime issues.Perth Now · 14 Nov, 23:53
• Bootcamp plan for youth unveiled for election launchRival party launches will be held less than two weeks before the Victorian state election as the government and opposition zero in on crime issues.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 23:53

In this story: Jess Wilson · Ben Carroll · Renee Heath · Victoria · Queensland · Dhurringile Prison

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