National Report shows Queensland jails among the country’s best: Spence
Published Thursday, 31 January, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
A national report out today shows Queensland prisoners are among the least likely to re-offend in Australia.
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said the Report on Government Services 2008 shows Queensland Corrective Services continues to perform well when compared to its interstate counterparts.
“This report is a very good scorecard for Queensland Corrective Services,” Ms Spence said.
“One of the key elements in reducing crime in our society is preventing prisoner from re-offending upon release – and this report shows we continue to lead the way in this area, for the third year in a row.
“In 2006/07, Queensland recorded the lowest recidivism rates of all Australian States across the four categories measured.”
Ms Spence said the report shows in 2006/07:
• Prisoners returning to Prison: 28.7% (National Average 37.5%)
• Prisoners returning to Corrective Services: 36.4% (National Average 43.6%)
• Community corrections offenders returning to community corrections: 10.5% (National Average 16.2%)
• Community corrections offenders returning to corrective services: 17.8% (National Average 27.6%)
These recidivism rates are calculated for all states and are based on the number of prisoners who re-offend within two years of their release.
“These excellent results highlight the success of our practical evidence-based offender programs, education and training options and post release support,” Ms Spence said.
“I expect these return rates may continue to decrease in the years ahead, as this government has committed a further $4.4 Million over four years to implement our “Throughcare Strategy”, focused on giving prisoners the support they need to start a new life free of crime.”
Ms Spence said the report also shows Queensland jails remain among the most secure in Australia, and the most cost-effective.
“We have maintained our record of no escapes from secure custody since coming to government in 1998 – a record we are committed to upholding, with $40 Million being spent over the next four years to continue to upgrade perimeter security at our prisons.
“Queensland continues to record the lowest recurrent cost per prisoner per day. In secure correctional centres it cost $151.30 per day to house prisoners, down from last year’s cost of $161.40 per day, and compared to the Australian average of $187.10 per day.
“Our forward planning in prison capital works is also paying off, with our capacity utilization rate now at 99.2% (compared to a national average of 104.3%), allowing the minimisation of doubling up in cells, which reduces prisoner on prisoner assaults.
“With the new Brisbane Correctional Centre, and expanded Townsville Men’s and Women’s Prisons opening this year, and work on the Gatton prison precinct now underway, I am confident we will continue to manage large prisoner numbers well into the future.”
Media Contact: 3239 6172
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence said the Report on Government Services 2008 shows Queensland Corrective Services continues to perform well when compared to its interstate counterparts.
“This report is a very good scorecard for Queensland Corrective Services,” Ms Spence said.
“One of the key elements in reducing crime in our society is preventing prisoner from re-offending upon release – and this report shows we continue to lead the way in this area, for the third year in a row.
“In 2006/07, Queensland recorded the lowest recidivism rates of all Australian States across the four categories measured.”
Ms Spence said the report shows in 2006/07:
• Prisoners returning to Prison: 28.7% (National Average 37.5%)
• Prisoners returning to Corrective Services: 36.4% (National Average 43.6%)
• Community corrections offenders returning to community corrections: 10.5% (National Average 16.2%)
• Community corrections offenders returning to corrective services: 17.8% (National Average 27.6%)
These recidivism rates are calculated for all states and are based on the number of prisoners who re-offend within two years of their release.
“These excellent results highlight the success of our practical evidence-based offender programs, education and training options and post release support,” Ms Spence said.
“I expect these return rates may continue to decrease in the years ahead, as this government has committed a further $4.4 Million over four years to implement our “Throughcare Strategy”, focused on giving prisoners the support they need to start a new life free of crime.”
Ms Spence said the report also shows Queensland jails remain among the most secure in Australia, and the most cost-effective.
“We have maintained our record of no escapes from secure custody since coming to government in 1998 – a record we are committed to upholding, with $40 Million being spent over the next four years to continue to upgrade perimeter security at our prisons.
“Queensland continues to record the lowest recurrent cost per prisoner per day. In secure correctional centres it cost $151.30 per day to house prisoners, down from last year’s cost of $161.40 per day, and compared to the Australian average of $187.10 per day.
“Our forward planning in prison capital works is also paying off, with our capacity utilization rate now at 99.2% (compared to a national average of 104.3%), allowing the minimisation of doubling up in cells, which reduces prisoner on prisoner assaults.
“With the new Brisbane Correctional Centre, and expanded Townsville Men’s and Women’s Prisons opening this year, and work on the Gatton prison precinct now underway, I am confident we will continue to manage large prisoner numbers well into the future.”
Media Contact: 3239 6172