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September 2009 Judge Barnett honoured
Parkville Youth Residential Centre’s young men’s unit, which accommodates boys aged 10–14 on sentence or remand by the Children's Court, was named in honour of His Honour Judge John Barnett at a small ceremony in August.
Judge Barnett served the Youth Residential and Parole Boards for 17
years, firstly as Alternate Chair from 1990 to 2003 and then as Chair from
2003 until his resignation in 2007.
‘During his time on the boards he was highly respected for the
leadership he provided and the enormous contribution he made,’ said Department
of Human Services’ Children, Youth and Families Executive Director Paul
McDonald.
‘He was always a strong advocate for the youth justice system and
the rehabilitation of the young people within it.
‘In his role as Chair of the Youth Parole Board he took a keen interest
in those with special needs such as mental illness, intellectual disabilities
and substance abuse problems and he was particularly concerned about the
disadvantaged circumstances of many Aboriginal young people and their limited
access to services.’
Mr McDonald said Judge Barnett’s ‘staunch support and advocacy on behalf
of disadvantaged and marginalised young people enhanced the development of
programs and services to meet this need.’
‘His Honour’s leadership as Chair of the Boards was invaluable in
ensuring a high level of public confidence in the youth justice system.’
Current Youth Parole Board Chair Judge Michael Bourke also spoke of Judge Barnett’s contribution to the Youth Justice system and the work of the boards before Judge Barnett unveiled a plaque to honour the naming of the Barnett Unit. |
