Page 3115 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 9 November 2021
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Before I conclude, I would once again like to thank ACTCS staff. At the recent estimates hearing the Inspector of Correctional Services said that, in his view, there were some very positive messages that came out of the AMC in terms of staff culture. I agree wholeheartedly.
While no workplace is perfect and we can always strive to be better, I am immensely proud of ACTCS staff, who work hard to look after the people in their care. These people are passionate and care about the work they do. They do an extremely difficult and challenging job and receive little credit. The progress that has been made over the past year is directly due to their hard work and determination, and I look forward to seeing them continue this work.
I have no doubt that we will build on the momentum gained over the past year, and I will continue working with ACTCS and colleagues across government to progress important reforms in the corrections portfolio. I look forward to updating members as this work progresses into the future.
I present the following paper.
Corrections update—Ministerial statement, 9 November 2021.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MR BRADDOCK (Yerrabi) (11.38): I would like to thank Mr Gentleman for the update and reiterate or echo his comments where he thanks the corrections staff. I would also like to include those who work in the Justice Health area, as well as the community organisations who make a difference to those who are in very difficult circumstances.
In addition to Mr Gentleman’s update, I think it is important to mention that a cornerstone of the ACT government strategy is to reduce recidivism and build communities. Our justice reinvestment approach was developed in partnership with the community, academia and government specifically for the ACT and specifically to support the government’s commitment to reduce recidivism by 25 per cent by 2025.
The point of justice reinvestment is to make sure that our money is invested in the programs and approaches that we know reduce crime, rather than putting more money into locking people away. We must work to target and solve the problems people have in their lives that lead them to offending in the first place. That means we work together as a community to build support around those in the justice system because we know that this reduces crime and improves outcomes more than investment in criminal justice approaches that are solely punitive.
Our goal is to equip people with the tools, programs and advice to minimise the risk of people reoffending. When people are released into the community, we all want these people to be well supported so that they can go on to lead safe, healthy and
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