By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A jobs program that aims to keep criminal offenders on the straight-and-narrow has been delivering “promising results”, according to the State Government.
In Dandenong, Corrections Minister Ben Carroll announced $4 million to expand the Employment Pathway Broker program across the state, including the South East.
“As a former Employment Minister, I know that a job is more than just a pay check – it is a source of self-respect, identify and pride.
“Access to education, training and employment opportunities is essential for parolees and people serving community-based orders to help turn their lives around.”
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the program focused on helping “some of the most disadvantaged job seekers find employment and get on the right track”.
Since 2017, the program has supplied employment, training and other vocational opportunities for about 450 parolees and offenders in the South East.
Nearly half of them (198 people) gained a job as a result.
At the Holmesglen Skills and Job Centre program in Dandenong, 73 of 84 participants landed jobs such as labouring, kitchenhand work, warehouse logistics, bricklaying and truck driving.
There were also opportunities to go on to certificate courses, such as civil construction and horticulture.
So far, the results are “promising”, a Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said.
“These types of programs are critical, because 50 per cent of men and 67 per cent of women in Victorian prisons are unemployed prior to entering prison.
“We know that when people are connected to employment, education or training, they gain a sense of purpose and have a positive way to contribute to the community.”
The flow-on effects included helping offenders “see a future without offending”.
“The program is also supporting local businesses and local jobs, and helping to keep people out of prison, which benefits the entire community.”
Unemployment and limited education are among the top factors in re-offending, according to Australian Institute of Criminology research.
The programs are provided by Jesuit Social Services, Holmesglen Skills and Job Centre, FGM Consultants, CVGT Australia and Whitelion.
