A pair of violent youth offenders were sent on an interstate, taxpayer-funded holiday.
The criminals travelled from Melbourne to the Gold Coast in a trip covered by the federal government and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
It’s understood the pair were involved in violent crimes, including carjackings and home invasions, the ABC reported.
Both youths’ community correction orders were changed to allow them to go on the holiday.
The trip took place in the last three months and included sightseeing and visits to theme parks.
A senior source claimed the holiday was part of an effort to rehabilitate the young criminals and break the cycle of reoffending.
They described the teenagers as ‘some of the most violent youth offenders we have in our state’ and said they had been ‘charged with just about any violent crime you can imagine’.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told the Herald Sun the holiday was not approved by her government.
A pair of violent youth offenders were taken on a taxpayer-funded holiday to the Gold Coast (pictured, Movie World)
‘I want to be clear that in this matter that is being reported today, that there has been advice that there has been no youth justice officials involved in and accompanying these young people,’ she said on Monday.
‘And given that this was a decision that has been taken through the corrections process, I’m not in a position to comment on the circumstances that led to this decision.’
However, it is understood Victoria’s Department of Justice and Community Safety was aware of the decision.
The ABC claimed the trip was not a one-off but similar holidays have been organised on multiple occasions with the outlet first learning of them a year ago.
Accredited criminal law specialist Mel Walker praised the program as ‘creative intervention or rehabilitation’.
‘Look, at first blush it sounds like a reward for their offending. I think that that’s how the general public would view this,’ she said.
‘It sounds like a practical way to address a rehabilitative program rather than looking at putting somebody into a youth justice centre.’
