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Budget 2023-24
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KEY INVESTMENTS CONTINUED IN OUR CORRECTIONS SYSTEM

ELISE ARCHER MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation

The Rockliff Liberal Government is building Tasmania’s future with key investments in our Corrections system that will create a strong, safe, and secure community.

Attorney-General and Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Elise Archer said the 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget delivers on our commitment to ensure the safety of staff, inmates and the community, as well as the rehabilitation of inmates.

“This Budget continues our strong track record of investment into our Corrections system that will further reduce recidivism rates and keep our communities and staff safe,” the Attorney-General said.

“We are investing $50 million for a new 52-bed maximum classification rated accommodation unit, along with additional support and training spaces within the Risdon Prison Complex site.

“This new, contemporary facility, along with our investment in the Northern Correctional Facility will provide greater flexibility within our Corrections system and continue our strong focus on supporting rehabilitation while maintaining strict security and safety requirements.

“Additionally, we know that access to programs, education and employment for inmates is critical to their rehabilitation, which is why we are helping to address the reasons why people re-offend and maximise the chances of successful reintegration back into our community.

“The Budget provides a further $1 million to support the therapeutic plan for our correctional facilities, including five therapeutic staff to provide increased drug and alcohol intervention and therapeutic support in Tasmania’s correctional facilities.

“We are also providing an additional $1 million in funding over two years to appoint additional Program Facilitators to expand and boost the delivery of the high intensity Family Violence Offender Intervention Program and other violence prevention programs across the Tasmania Prison Service.”

Recognising the importance of intervention programs, the Budget also allocates further funding of $496,000 in 2024‑25 to deliver programs designed to reduce reoffending by inmates.

These programs include:

  • the Australian Red Cross Community-Based Health First Aid program, to train inmates to become Special Status Red Cross Volunteers, which will empower them to improve health, wellbeing and safety within the prison population;
  • the Connect 42 Just Time Prison Parenting program which teaches parent-child attachment skills to inmates and helps to break the cycle of offending; and
  • the Dress for Success Hobart Welcome Back(pack) initiative which supports women exiting custody by providing clothing, toiletries, and support to write job applications and prepare for job interviews. This program aims to build women’s confidence and resilience in looking for employment post-release.

“This is a Budget that prepares our Corrections system for the future through targeted, careful, and considered investment, and will continue our strong track record of keeping our State strong, safe and secure as we build Tasmania’s future.”