$33 million investment in meeting future corrections demand

12 November, 2020

Elise Archer MP

2020-21 Budget: $33 million investment in meeting future corrections demand

The Tasmanian Government has a Plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania and this year’s State Budget delivers more than $33 million to meet the current and future needs of our corrections system.

The Government is committing $14 million over four years to meet increasing demand in the Tasmania Prison Service, catering for increased prisoner numbers and costs relating to staffing, hospital and transport requirements.

The $3.5 million per year investment will also support prisoner reintegration activities, education and therapeutic support services that support essential rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

This State Budget also commits $19.7 million over four years to meet the additional operational costs associated with the Southern Remand Centre. Funding will commence with $910,000 in 2020-21, increasing to $5.1 million in 2021-22, $6.8 million in 2022-23 and $6.9 million in 2023-24.

Our Government has committed $85 million for the construction of the new Southern Remand Centre on the Risdon site, including an additional $15 million in this Budget.

Construction of the Southern Remand Centre is well underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. The additional funding has been provided to ensure the Southern Remand Centre will be ready to open after construction has been completed.

We remain committed to addressing the challenges facing the State’s corrections system, and this is evident in this Budget, with significant investment in supporting the continued and sustained operations of our correctional facilities.