STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms WITTY (Melbourne) (13:44): I recently met with Amelia Pickering, CEO of the Hope Network, formerly known as Prison Network. This incredible organisation dates back to 1947, when Myrtle Breen walked up to the gate of Pentridge Prison and asked to see the women locked up behind its walls. Since that day, the Hope Network has worked with incarcerated women not only to improve their lives in prison but to support their transition back into the community and extend that support to their families.

More than 7,000 children are currently in out-of-home care because one or more of their parents are in prison. Amelia and I spoke about the ways the Hope Network is supporting those children and their families, particularly through its work with carers in these difficult circumstances. I am proud to note that last year our government provided funding for the purchase of three new transitional homes with the Hope Network.

This funding will be key to its work supporting women as they leave prison. It is a model that works, with more than 95 per cent of participants not returning to prison after completing this transitional pathway. I want to thank not only Amelia and the entire Hope Network team, but also Myrtle Breen, who almost 80 years ago walked up to the prison gates and demanded a better future for women.

Her legacy continues to change lives today.