Electronic monitoring for Vic offenders

Offenders on leave from a Melbourne treatment facility will be required to wear electronic monitoring devices after a woman was allegedly assaulted by a client on leave.

The client, reportedly a sex offender, was on escorted leave from the Fairfield Disability Forensic Assessment and Treatment Services facility when the alleged assault occurred last month.

A review into the incident recommended that electronic monitoring devices be worn by clients who are on leave from the facility, Disability Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said.

"I have ordered that effective immediately, all new clients accepted into the facility agree that electronic monitoring may be used as part of their treatment and monitoring.

"Current laws do not allow for existing clients to wear electronic monitoring devices without their consent. However, we will amend the legislation to remove this barrier."

The treatment centre provides court-ordered support for people with intellectual disability who have committed a crime but have good prospects for rehabilitation.

Up to 14 clients are housed at the secure facility and as part of their treatment they may be permitted to have leave from the facility.