19584 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

19584 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What programmes (offence and non-offence), if any, are currently running, have been discontinued, or are on hold at each prison?

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 9,600 people in prison, will remain a top priority for Corrections. While the delivery of some programmes has been paused periodically at some prisons, I am advised that in addition to ongoing recruitment, several actions are being taken to ensure people in prison 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. I refer the member to the attached table which provides the different rehabilitation programmes that are currently running, on hold or have been discontinued in the 2023/24 financial year, broken down by Corrections-managed prisons.