TARGET ZER0’s Response to Premier’s Announcement on establishment of ‘Violence Reduction Unit’
TARGET ZER0 has welcomed the Premier’s commitment to tackling violent crime through early intervention but raised concerns about limited consultation with communities and sector experts. The coalition urges genuine partnership and co-design, particularly with young people and families most affected by new laws. TARGET ZER0 calls for inclusive engagement with multicultural communities, First Nations youth, and those in out-of-home care to ensure equitable outcomes. With more than 30 organisations already working on systemic solutions in Melbourne’s west, TARGET ZER0 encourages the Government to align efforts and avoid duplication.
Young people and community voices are clear about what’s at stake:
“We’re still kids. They act like we’re monsters. No one talks about what we’ve been through — just what we did wrong.” – 16 year old T0 Ambassador – St Albans
“Our communities already cop the shit, throwing us into adult prisons won’t fix anything, it’ll break us more” – 19 year old T0 Ambassador – Werribee
“You can’t punish your way out of trauma. if they’re serious about stopping crime, try funding communities instead of cells” – Youth Worker – Sunshine
“Honestly, when you treat our kids like criminals, guess what – they’ll grow into that, maybe try treating them like someone worth caring about instead” – Parent TO Ambassador – Tarneit
Read TARGET ZER0’s full media release here.
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact: Anoushka Jeronimus– anoushka@westjustice.org.au or Peta Fualau– pfualau@cmy.net.au.