Borallon will be a leader in rehabilitating young offenders

Borallon prison has taken its first steps to becoming a national leader in the rehabilitation of young male offenders, Corrective Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller said today.

Minister Miller attended a special Market Information Day at Borallon where business operators learnt about the proposed education and skills programs and how their businesses could be part of them.

When the refurbished prison reopens next year as the Borallon Training and Correctional Centre it will specialise in equipping prisoners with the skills they need to find employment.

“When the Palaszczuk Government announced in July that Borallon would reopen, we promised to engage closely with the local community,” Minister Miller said.

“Today was an opportunity for businesses to receive detailed information about the programs and the potential opportunities open to them through partnerships.

“The main objective is to provide a safe and secure environment for prisoners where they can be prepared for successful parole or a return to the community.

“Borallon will lead the way in breaking the cycle that leads to further offending when prisoners are released.

“Put simply, the focus will be on curbing harmful behaviours while providing the opportunity for young offenders to improve themselves and increase their chances of getting a job.

“Worldwide research tells us this is one of the best ways to improve community safety and cut the crime rate.

“We have a vision for Borallon to be the leading centre for rehabilitating young male offenders in Australia and a pilot site for reforms across the state”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the re-opening of Borallon would help reinvigorate the local economy.

“The re-opened Centre will create about 200 jobs at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever,” he said.

“About 100 local businesses and organisations accepted invitations to participate in the Market Information Day and successful tenderers from local industries, social enterprises and registered training organisations will become both service providers and beneficiaries of the project.

“International evidence has shown that the best outcomes are achieved when rehabilitation services continue in the community.

“So we create jobs, boost the local economy and help young offenders turn their lives around. It’s a great initiative,” he said.

 [ENDS] October 2015

 Media contact: Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172