RMIT expert available for comment on the introduction of a spent convictions scheme in Victoria
An expert from RMIT University is available to talk to the media about a spent convictions scheme in Victoria.
Victoria is the only state in Australia that does not have spent convictions legislation.
Stan Winford (0438 080 608 or kristann.winford@rmit.edu.au)
Topics: youth justice, restorative justice, spent convictions/criminal records, specialist courts, victims of crime, access to justice and legal aid, prisons, punishment, sentencing, policing, mental health, disability and the law, drugs and the law.
“The introduction of a spent convictions scheme is a long overdue reform that would bring Victoria into line with every other Australian state and territory.
“Currently, minor offences from more than 10 years ago can still appear on a police check when someone applies for a job.
“A person in this situation has no protection if an employer decides not to employ them because of their criminal record, even if it has no relevance to the job they are applying for and doesn’t stop them from carrying out the inherent requirements of the role.
“This represents a significant extra barrier for many Aboriginal Victorians looking for work, at a time when the government has committed to closing the gap in employment rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“Indigenous people are over-represented in the criminal-justice system; they make up 28 per cent of the prison population but only three per cent of the total Australian population.
“Many factors have contributed to this, including poverty, institutionalisation and racism.
“Indigenous people are also 20 per cent less likely to participate in the labour force.
“A spent convictions scheme is desperately needed to give certainty to employers and employees alike.”
Stan Winford is the Associate Director at RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice. He is a legal and justice system expert with experience in innovation and reform, including applications for restorative justice in criminal and civil law. Stan is a practising lawyer who has held senior roles in government and community legal services. He is currently chair of the Mental Health Legal Centre.
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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.