Queensland Corrective Services – Building for the future

The Palaszczuk Government’s decision to make Queensland Corrective Services a stand-alone Department is paying dividends.

“Queensland Corrective Services has taken huge strides in establishing itself as a top tier public safety agency under the guidance of Commissioner Peter Martin and this Budget will assist the QCS in this process,” Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said.

“Mr Martin and his leadership team have been working on a 10 years plan to transform QCS into a modern, forward-facing and professional agency with a key role in making Queensland a safer place for everybody.

“An important part of this is addressing overcrowding of correctional centres as well as better supporting the most vulnerable of the prisoner population, including women and people with disability.

“This budget continues the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to deliver for Queenslanders.

“The expansion of the Capricornia Correctional Centre will create 172 jobs during construction and once all work is completed there will be 130 new full-time jobs at the enlarged prison,” the Minister said.

Budget – key items

• $41 million injection for Capricornia Correctional Centre delivering 84 new cells (this is on top of a previous $200 million funding boost with the total $241 million investment delivering 348 new cells and 396 beds)

• The expansion of Capricornia Correctional Centre will create approximately 172 jobs over the four years of construction.

• Once all new sections of the centre are in operation there will be 130 extra full-time jobs created at the prison

• $3.9 million expansion of the supreme court bail application service to male prisoners.

• $2.8 million to support prisoners with a disability

• $1.1 million to support supervised community service projects implemented as part of the Palaszczuk government’s tackling alcohol fuelled violence program

• $9.4 million for expansion of probation and parole services including additional frontline staff

Media contact: Phil Wilmington 0411 535 180