5808 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

5808 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What actions, if any, has he taken to revive programmes that are no longer running due to ongoing staff shortages?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that Corrections acknowledges the importance of delivering programmes to people in prison and it is a top priority for Corrections to ensure that everyone eligible for a rehabilitation programme has the opportunity to attend and complete these programmes. Like many other agencies and businesses, Corrections has experienced a number of frontline staffing challenges in recent years. Corrections’ recruitment campaign is ongoing and I have been assured that hiring and training frontline staff, who manage approximately 9,500 people in prison, will remain a top priority for Corrections. While the delivery of some programmes has been paused at times at some prisons, I am advised that in addition to ongoing recruitment, several actions are being taken to ensure prisoners can take part in these activities. This includes transferring people to prisons where programmes are delivered, and delivering programmes to smaller numbers of people to ensure their safety and the safety of Corrections’ staff. Face-to-face programme delivery continues to be an option where appropriate and possible. This is also my response to WPQ 5813 (2024).