Victorian prisoners will be put to work on road maintenance as part of Labor's plan to fix the state's potholes if re-elected, aiming to repair 500,000 potholes by January. The state's premier, Ben Carroll, will outline the plan on Monday, following an announcement on Sunday that the government would increase the road maintenance budget by $352 million. This funding is on top of the more than $1 billion already budgeted for road maintenance in May, and is partially offset by delaying some level-crossing removals in Melbourne's south-east.
Details of the Prisoner Work Program
If Labor wins the November election, it would work with Corrections Victoria to develop a pilot program that puts supervised, minimum-security prisoners to work performing roadside maintenance. The plan includes having inmates take over basic duties such as mowing lawns, controlling weeds, removing graffiti, and picking up rubbish. This would allow more skilled crews to focus on fixing potholes, addressing the state's road repair backlog.
Find Bleeding Edge Supplements at Scandalous Prices on iHerb.
The government has emphasized that the work of prisoners will not replace paid jobs but instead supplement the workforce where there are skill and capacity shortages. This approach aims to maximize efficiency while maintaining employment opportunities for local workers.
Road Maintenance Budget and Goals
Labor's plan includes a significant increase in funding for road maintenance, with a total of $352 million in additional funds. This is part of a broader strategy to repair 500,000 potholes across the state by the end of January. The government has also committed to bringing road maintenance 'back in-house', reducing reliance on private contractors, and setting up a website for Victorians to report potholes with photos for quicker repairs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Increase | $352 million |
| Potholes to Fix | 500,000 by January |
| Prisoner Duties | Mowing, weed control, graffiti removal, rubbish pickup |
| Program Type | Pilot program with minimum-security prisoners |
| Impact on Jobs | Will not replace paid jobs |
Community and Political Reactions
The plan has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the innovative approach to address infrastructure issues, while others raise concerns about the use of prison labor. However, the government assures that the program will be closely supervised and will not compromise safety or job security.
Key Takeaways
- Labor's plan aims to fix 500,000 potholes with increased funding and prisoner workforce.
- Prisoners will handle basic roadside maintenance, freeing skilled crews for pothole repairs.
- The program is a pilot, ensuring it does not replace paid jobs.
- Road maintenance will be brought in-house to reduce contractor reliance.
- A new website will allow Victorians to report potholes easily.
FAQ
Will prisoners replace paid workers?
No, the government has stated that prisoners will not replace paid jobs. Instead, they will supplement the workforce where there are skill and capacity shortages, focusing on basic tasks.
How many potholes will be fixed?
The plan aims to repair 500,000 potholes by the end of January, with an additional $352 million in funding.
When will the prisoner program start?
The program is a pilot that would be developed if Labor wins the November election, with details to be finalized in collaboration with Corrections Victoria.
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of gaming headsets under, golf drivers, toddler toothbrush, shoes neuropathy, and electric tankless water heater. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of organic coffee, tankless water heater, shoes flat feet, iron clothes, and digital radio off roading. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Browse the Shop
Acacia frida deluxe solid wood bed frame |
Bedroom bench |
Bed chest drawers |
Lingerie dresser |
Frame base |
Mirror with jewelry storage |
30 Bathroom Vanity |
Memory foam queen mattress |
Mattresses for back pain |
Nightstand set of 2 |
Grand Goldman Shop |
Civil Lawyer
Deutschland Trikot WM 2026
