Two violent youth offenders from Melbourne were flown to Queensland on a holiday funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it has been revealed.
The Victorian teenagers had their Community Corrections Orders (CCO) amended by the state’s Department of Justice and Community Safety to be allowed on a taxpayer-funded interstate trip to visit theme parks on the Gold Coast.
It is understood the teens had been convicted of violent home invasions and carjackings but were not jailed.
The NDIS-funded trip to the Gold Coast took place within the past few months. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
9News understands it took place within the past few months and involved sightseeing and a visit to the popular theme parks.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said “no youth justice officials were involved in accompanying these young people”.
Allan also confirmed the state’s youth justice system did not fund the trip.
“What we are making it very clear in Victoria is that there are consequences for offending,” Allan said.
Victoria’s opposition leader Brad Battin said convicted youth offenders should not be “going off on holidays”.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said no youth justice officials were involved in accompanying the teenagers on the trip. (AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“At the moment, we’re seeing kids go to Europe and possibly up to the Gold Coast,” Battin said.
“Where is the message to kids to say that crime doesn’t pay here in Victoria?”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the NDIS said it was investigating the claims.
“The NDIS provides disability-related supports to all eligible Australians,” the spokesperson told 9News.
“The NDIS is not responsible for the rehabilitation of youth offenders.”