Teens on parole to wear GPS bracelets

VICTORIA’S teenaged serious offenders will have to wear a GPS tracking device and be tested for drugs and alcohol under a proposed two-year trial.

The State Government yesterday tabled in parliament its plans for a $2 million program, which would involve up to 30 offenders who have committed crimes such as murder and rape.

If the youths tamper with the GPS bracelet, commit further offences or breach parole conditions, they will go back to detention, Youth Affairs Minister Jenny Mikakos said.

“It is very much designed to ensure that when young parolees are out in the community they are actually complying with the conditions of their parole,” Ms Mikakos said outside parliament.

“We are putting in place the strictest conditions for these young parolees.”

Offenders aged 16-18 would have to wear the GPS device, while the Youth Parole Board would be able to require alcohol and drug testing for parolees aged as young as 10, she said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the Government would not apologise for keeping a “very close eye” on serious offenders on parole.

“This is an appropriate step. It is something that the police commissioner wants and needs,” Mr Andrews said.

“That is what we will do, provide the resources, equipment, technology and laws that . . . (police) need to fight crime and keep our community safe.”

Victoria Police said it would work with the Justice Department to implement the proposed measures, which aimed to prevent and deter youth committing or continuing to commit crime.

If the proposal passes parliament, the trial is expected to start next year.