Woodford Prison tour provides Judges with insight into life behind the razor wire
Published Friday, 04 April, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence today took judges on a tour of the Woodford Prison, offering them a rare insight into the lives of prisoners serving sentences in the state’s jails.
Ms Spence said she was pleased Queensland’s Chief Justice and four other judges took up her invitation to see what goes on behind the razor wire.
“Everyday our judges determine whether or not to send criminals to jail,” Ms Spence said.
“Therefore, it is essential they understand the outcomes of their decisions.
“In Queensland, we have the most secure, efficiently run prisons in this country and our prisoners are offered an extensive range of training and rehabilitation programs to help address their offending behaviour and get their lives back on track prior to release.
“During today’s tour the judges had the opportunity to learn about these programs and speak with the prisoners who are accessing them.”
The tour included:
• A briefing from the Woodford General Manager about the centre’s prisoner population;
• A briefing from Career Employment Australia, who run the transitions program, offering offenders job assistance as they prepare for release from custody;
• A meeting with four prisoners involved in the program, who explained how it is helping them with their post release plan; and
• A tour of prisoner accommodation.
Chief Justice Paul de Jersey said: “I think it’s critically important that a judge knows the condition of the institution to which the judge is sending the prisoner. The best way of assessing that is on the ground.
“It is invaluable that judges have the chance to chat with the prisoners in person. It shows the human face of the judiciary while giving reassurance to those in custody.”
Media Contact: Minister’s Office - 3239 6218
Ms Spence said she was pleased Queensland’s Chief Justice and four other judges took up her invitation to see what goes on behind the razor wire.
“Everyday our judges determine whether or not to send criminals to jail,” Ms Spence said.
“Therefore, it is essential they understand the outcomes of their decisions.
“In Queensland, we have the most secure, efficiently run prisons in this country and our prisoners are offered an extensive range of training and rehabilitation programs to help address their offending behaviour and get their lives back on track prior to release.
“During today’s tour the judges had the opportunity to learn about these programs and speak with the prisoners who are accessing them.”
The tour included:
• A briefing from the Woodford General Manager about the centre’s prisoner population;
• A briefing from Career Employment Australia, who run the transitions program, offering offenders job assistance as they prepare for release from custody;
• A meeting with four prisoners involved in the program, who explained how it is helping them with their post release plan; and
• A tour of prisoner accommodation.
Chief Justice Paul de Jersey said: “I think it’s critically important that a judge knows the condition of the institution to which the judge is sending the prisoner. The best way of assessing that is on the ground.
“It is invaluable that judges have the chance to chat with the prisoners in person. It shows the human face of the judiciary while giving reassurance to those in custody.”
Media Contact: Minister’s Office - 3239 6218