Page 229 - Week 01 - Thursday, 15 December 2016
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believe it is vital work that, despite its challenges, holds many rewards. It can be seen as deceptively simple. But, in fact, ACT Corrective Services is a highly complex organisation encompassing custodial and community corrections with dual roles to support a safer and more secure Canberra and maintain a commitment to rehabilitating criminal behaviours wherever possible.
Jails are, by definition, tough places and the AMC is no exception. I do not shy away from the fact that the prison has been the focus of strong criticism in recent times. Nor can I discount the need to redouble our efforts to ensure that we have a truly functional, modern prison.
Through the course of last term I was pleased to secure the funding not just to expand the centre but to develop greater separation of detainees and create dedicated therapeutic areas. This project was completed on time and significantly under budget. Corrections staff can now better manage detainees and provide more opportunities for rehabilitation. The funds saved have been allocated to build prison industries at the AMC. This project will be completed shortly.
This will add significantly to rehabilitation opportunities and provide more structured opportunities for detainees. These significant additions to the centre, not included in the original build, will go a long way to delivering a modern, world-class correctional facility which is able to support a focus on giving detainees the best chance at putting their lives back on track. I am confident that we are currently in the process of genuine transformation and progress towards the realisation of the type of prison that the ACT community was promised and rightly expects.
With my expanded responsibilities as minister for justice I will be working to develop a more holistic and integrated criminal justice system in partnership with the attorney, one that can be bolder in its aspirations to reduce recidivism, as outlined in the parliamentary agreement.
By using justice reinvestment approaches and investing in smarter crime prevention, the ACT government aims to effectively improve life outcomes and reduce the ongoing cost burdens associated with the criminal justice system. If properly implemented, by addressing root causes, justice reinvestment can reduce crime and imprisonment, reduce recidivism, improve community safety and strengthen our most disadvantages communities, all without breaking the budget.
A justice reinvestment approach includes increased support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families of detainees, innovative new support programs to enhance bail compliance, and develop real and achievable recidivism targets. We will also ensure that victims are never forgotten in this process by continuing the essential work of the highly-regarded Restorative Justice Unit and through new initiatives such as the development of a victims’ rights charter. By working together and with enhanced collaboration between government agencies and our community sector partners, I am confident that the ACT government can continue to provide a safe and inclusive society for all Canberrans.
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