Violent Youth Offenders Enjoy Theme Park Getaways
In a controversial rehabilitation approach, teenage criminals from Victoria responsible for serious violent crimes are being sent on luxury holidays to Queensland's Gold Coast. The revelation has sparked widespread debate about appropriate methods for dealing with young offenders.
At least two teenagers who committed home invasions and carjackings have been permitted to travel interstate for holidays as part of their community corrections orders. The trips were reportedly organized through their social workers and approved by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Taxpayer-Funded Theme Park Visits
The ABC Radio Melbourne report confirmed that the young offenders visited major theme parks during their Gold Coast stays. The initiative was designed to break their cycle of criminal behavior, though the exact number of teenagers involved remains unclear.
Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast was specifically mentioned as one destination visited by the offenders. The Victorian state government has quickly distanced itself from the program, confirming the holidays occurred but emphasizing they were not the government's idea.
Funding and Responsibility Questions
The funding for these rehabilitation holidays was approved through the federal government's NDIS system. A government spokesperson clarified that no state government money was used for the trips, which were organized by programs working with the teenagers' social workers.
Community corrections orders for the offenders were legally modified to permit the interstate travel. The revelation has raised questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of such rehabilitation methods, particularly when funded by taxpayers.
7NEWS.com.au has contacted both the Victorian state government and the NDIS for official comment on the program and its outcomes. The story continues to develop as more details emerge about the scope and cost of these rehabilitation efforts.
