Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham is disappointed that Police Minister Anthony Carbines is delaying confirmation of a permanent Multidisciplinary Centre (MDC) in Mildura.
“The Mildura MDC was a successful pilot set up to serve the Mildura community who are victims of family violence. This centre needs to be established as a built and fit for purpose facility as Mildura sadly has the state’s highest incidents of family violence.”
“The Centre brings together essential services and agencies such as the Mallee Sexual Assault Unit, the Sexual Offences and Child-abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT), the Victoria Police Family Violence team, as well as counsellors and other services to assist victims.”
Ms Benham highlighted that prior to the pandemic, the Andrews Labor Government already established plans to build a new MDC alongside the Police Station on Deakin Avenue.
The proposed new site will contain more space for SOCIT and family violence teams and investigators, clinical spaces for the sexual assault unit, along with more space for counsellors and other integrated services to provide the best service possible to vulnerable community members.
“The Andrews Labor Government must fully fund a permanent Mildura MDC in the May State Budget so the facility can continue its important work in supporting victims of family violence.” Ms Benham said.
Ms Benham will continue to advocate for this important piece of infrastructure for the Mildura community and speak on behalf of family violence victims who are at risk of losing essential support and services as the Andrews Labor Government is set to slash funding in the upcoming budget.
