Messenger gets it wrong yet again

Almost 200 prisoners are tested for drugs in Queensland prisons each week proving that Rob Messenger has no idea when it comes to prison issues, Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said today.

“An average of 184 prisoners is tested for drugs in Queensland prisons every week,” Ms Spence said.

“In addition to this target testing the random testing of 10 per cent of the prison population takes place every three months.

“We now have 50 intelligence and investigation officers - including 21 police officers - working around the clock to gather intelligence, undertake surveillance and monitor prisoner phone calls to determine which prisoners should be searched and tested for drugs.

“Since July 1 2006 there have been 63 prisoners charged with being in possession of illicit drugs in Queensland prisons,” Ms Spence said.

Drug use in Queensland jails has dropped under the Beattie government from 17.9% of inmates in 1996-97, to around 5.1% in 2004-05.

“Mr Messenger just can’t get his facts straight; this is the third time in a month he’s got it wrong while commenting on Queensland Corrective Services matters,” Ms Spence said.

“He claimed that corrective services officers are shot at every day; the last time this happened was under a National Party government 10 years ago.

“He ‘revealed’ new prisoner uniforms would be the colour black; that was wrong as they are in fact light blue and khaki,” Ms Spence said.

Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287