At the same time as we’re investing in Victoria’s Police, we’re also making sure our state has a strong justice system. Victoria’s courts and correctional services play a critical role in responding to the needs of victims and ensuring offenders are held to account.

What will the money be used for?

Building on our reforms to strengthen sentencing and overhaul the bail and parole system, this year’s Budget will provide:

Expand the Lara prison precinct

$689 million to expand the Lara prison precinct for the construction of a new 700 bed maximum security facility for men.

Increase the number of secure custodial beds at youth justice centres

$160 million to increase the number of secure custodial beds at the Malmsbury and Parkville youth justice centres, as well as additional investments to tackle the causes of youth offending.

Introduce a new Bail and Remand Court

$129 million to introduce a new Bail and Remand Court to deliver on the recommendations of the Coghlan Bail Review, and 18 additional magistrates, two new County Court judges and a Supreme Court judge to meet increasing demand in the court system.

More police prosecutors and to equip the Office of Public Prosecutions

$119 million for more police prosecutors and to equip the Office of Public Prosecutions to prosecute serious crimes and hold offenders to account.

Improve Victorian prison system

$91 million to strengthen infrastructure and enhance security across the Victorian prison system.

More funding for Victoria Legal Aid

$37.3 million for Victoria Legal Aid to provide more duty lawyers and grants of legal assistance.

Implement the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Terrorism and Violent Extremism Prevention and Response Powers

$21 million to implement the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Terrorism and Violent Extremism Prevention and Response Powers.

Land acquisition for the redevelopment of law courts

$20 million to acquire land for the redevelopment of Werribee and Bendigo justice precincts.

Better support victims of crime

$10.1 million to better support victims of crime, including extending the intermediary scheme which assists children and vulnerable people who are victims of crime to provide evidence.

Media releases

A New Lara Prison: Building A Strong Corrections System

Building a strong and secure corrections system

Stronger, safer, fairer: investing in Victoria’s justice system