Politics · Australia · 20 hrs ago
Victorian parties pledge youth detention plan and major events fund
Victoria's Labor government has proposed a new youth detention program if it wins re-election.
The $204 million plan would place low- and mid-level young offenders in secure rehabilitation facilities for up to 12 months.
The government says the program would combine detention with education and skills training, and could treat nearly 500 young people over two years.
The plan includes Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, which reopened earlier this year after nearly two years out of operation.
The Liberal opposition has pledged a $40 million fund to attract major sporting and entertainment events to Melbourne, including the UFC, WWE and Zuffa Boxing.
The Liberals say hosting these events could bring close to $300 million into Victoria's economy, though this is their estimate.
Victorians will vote on November 28, and both pledges depend on the parties forming government.
Victoria’s Labor government has pledged a $204 million rehabilitation detention program for low- and mid-level youth offenders if re-elected.
The program would remove young offenders from the community for up to 12 months and place them in secure residential facilities.
The Liberal opposition has pledged a $40 million fund to attract major sporting and entertainment events to Melbourne, including the UFC.
The Victorian election is scheduled for November 28.
- Who
- Victoria’s Labor government and the Liberal opposition.
- What
- Labor has proposed rehabilitation detention for young offenders. The Liberals have pledged a fund to attract major events to Melbourne.
- When
- The pledges were reported on November 8, 2026. Voters will go to the polls on November 28.
- Where
- Victoria, Australia, including Melbourne and Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre.
- Why
- Labor says detention would provide a tougher option for lower-level offending and help young people change course. The Liberals say major events would support jobs and businesses.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan said Malmsbury’s reopening followed a 46 per cent rise in remand rates after bail reform in March.
Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre reopened after being unoperational for nearly two years.
Labor and the Liberal opposition outlined their youth detention and major-events pledges.
Victorian voters are scheduled to go to the polls.
- Labor youth detention program
- $204 million
- Detention period
- Up to 12 months
- Treatment capacity
- Nearly 500 young people over two years
- Liberal Major Events Attraction Fund
- $40 million
- Election day
- November 28
What people are saying
It provides that tougher new option that isn't jail but keeps them off the streets
This isn't just about putting on a great show
Our plan is to potentially bring all three codes [UFC, WWE and Zuffa boxing] to Melbourne over four years