The Corrections Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 was introduced into Parliament today.

The Bill includes the reforms to strengthen sentencing outcomes for injuring custodial staff.  These reforms will clarify that prisoners convicted of seriously injuring a custodial worker should have additional time added on top of their existing sentence, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

They make it clear that assaulting a prison officer is unacceptable and carries serious consequences.

We will keep you updated on the progress of the Bill through Parliament.

We are also working on a fact sheet about the proposed changes in the Bill to support engagement with staff.

The Victorian Government has also announced additional prison beds to support expansion of the adult custodial system in response to bail reform.

This funding will see additional recruitment to allow for the opening of almost 1000 more beds open across the system, allowing for the opening of all communities at Western Plains Correctional Centre, and the re-opening of accommodation units elsewhere across the system.  

The budget allocation was a positive step but more collaboration was needed to ensure the funds were used effectively.

"This is the response we called for arising from the bail changes," Ms Batt said.

"But we also need to address continuing violence and to get existing officers confident to come back to work."

To support staff safety, additional training has also been funded to include in both pre-service and refresher programs.