16281 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

16281 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What operational changes, if any, are being considered to increase remand prisoners’ access to services and programmes during the month of February 2026?

Hon Mark Mitchell: I am advised that operational changes to support increased access to services and programmes for remand prisoners during February 2026 focused on maintaining delivery where staffing capacity permitted, while recruitment activities were underway to strengthen programme delivery capability for the remainder of the year. As of February 2026, three men’s sites are delivering the Short Rehabilitation Programme for Men to remand convicted, following recruitment of additional programme facilitators, with three sites delivering Head Start to both remand accused and remand convicted. Delivery of both programmes is commencing at a further three sites following recruitment completed in February 2026, with experienced staff completing delivery while new staff complete onboarding and training. All three women’s sites are delivering Kia Rite to remand accused and remand convicted, with seven additional resources being actively recruited at two sites to increase delivery. Reprioritisation of FY25 remand funding, due to delays in related consultation activity, was agreed in February 2026 to increase access of remand prisoners to complete vocational short courses. These are being planned and delivered through to June 2026 at nine sites. These operational changes, maintaining programme delivery in February where possible, alongside the recruitment and onboarding of additional staff are expected to enhance access to services and programmes for remand prisoners over the coming months.