No images? Click here 2019 WRAP UPMERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!This past year has taken me on a journey through the vast expanse of the beautiful Northern Victorian electorate and lobbying within the Parliament. I thank the community for their support, and especially those within my electorate, who have encouraged me throughout the year with messages, phone calls and responses to media articles. It has been a year of learning the life of politics, which has been both a privilege and an honour. No one can prepare you for what lies ahead once you are newly elected, it is consuming, invigorating and tiresome work, but I love every moment and look forward to continuing my advocacy in 2020. To all of you, I wish you a wonderful Christmas and happy and healthy New Year filled with love, laughter and prosperity. Thank you for being a part of the Derryn Hinch's Justice Party journey. - Tania THE YEAR IN REVIEWOur proudest achievement for the year has been ensuring that a public Sex Offender's Register in Victoria moved a major step closer, with support of the Legislative Council for the issue to become the subject of a formal committee inquiry. We've continued to advocate for primary prevention and early intervention programs to reduce crime, as well as calls for increased support for victims. We have advocated for changes to policies and laws across a wide range of issues, as well as bringing a series of matters to the Government's attention for changes, improvements or funding. These include:-
It has also been a delight to pay tribute to a myriad of individuals and organisations through my 'Member Statement' in each sitting week, who selflessly advance the safety and well being of people across Northern Victoria. This is only the beginning and there is so much more to do in 2020 and beyond. Victims of Crime CommissionerThe Victorian Victims of Crime Commissioner, Fiona McCormack, visited us in Wangaratta this week to speak directly with victims of crime. Victims were grateful to discuss the gaps in support, the need for improved critical response & greater oversight needed within our justice system. Helping victims of crime is a high priority of mine and it was wonderful to help victims within the community feel further supported. I'm very grateful to the Commissioner for giving her time so generously. Prison visitsLast week was busy with visits to Barwon, Marngoneet and Dame Phyllis Frost correctional centres. These visits were an eye opening experience, and I was appreciative of the time staff took to show me through each facility and discuss their programs. The reality of our justice system is that perpetrators of even the most violent of crimes will likely face release at some stage (we would prefer that not to happen is some cases) and we need to ensure there are appropriate programs in place to try and change behaviours and decrease rates of recidivism. It is equally important that corrections staff are supported and safe. Continued attacks on Prison staff is not acceptable. Click on the link, and subscribe to my You Tube Channel to keep up to date with Parliamentary speeches. |