Victoria has joined the rest of the country in committing to a spent convictions scheme to prevent old criminal records impeding employment and rehabilitation.
The Andrews government’s decision, announced on Thursday, brings Victoria into line with other states in adopting legislation that ensures historical criminal records are not an impediment for individuals’ rehabilitation, or to secure housing and work.
Last year, the Victorian Legislative Council’s Legal and Social Issues committee chaired by Reason MP Fiona Patten advocated the government adopt a legislated spent convictions scheme…
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Ms Patten said in a statement posted on her Facebook page: “The Victorian spent convictions scheme must build in sufficient discretion to ensure that Aboriginal Victorians are not discriminated against.
“Aboriginal people are increasingly disadvantaged by criminal records. Irrelevant convictions should not be considered in applications to become kinship carers.’’
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