Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) — My question is to the Minister for Families and Children, Ms Mikakos. In December 2013 the Victorian Ombudsman reported on his investigation into children transferred from the youth justice system to the adult prison system. In that report he stated unequivocally:
I am of the view that there are no circumstances that justify the placement of a child in the adult prison system.
So on what basis does the government ignore the Ombudsman’s considered recommendation in sending those 40 young offenders to Barwon?
Ms PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) — Thank you, Minister, for that answer. I have to say that I think the gazettal of those certain premises is probably not in the spirit of the Ombudsman’s report. But having said that, I appreciate that answer. We all understand that the fundamentals of the youth justice system are rehabilitative, and I appreciate that there will be education and health services at the facilities down in Barwon. On that, these kids have been getting ongoing education from Parkville College. I have seen Parkville in action, and it is a great college. Is it Parkville that will be continuing their education down at Barwon?
