24594 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

24594 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What changes, if any, are expected, planned, forecast, or assumed during 2026/27 to probation staffing allocations, staffing models, caseload expectations, regional allocations, or role design as part of, or in connection with, savings, optimisation, scaling, reprioritisation, fiscal sustainability, or efficiency initiatives?

Hon Mark Mitchell: Corrections received funding for an additional 710 frontline staff as part of Budget 2026 due to the increased number of offenders expected in upcoming 2026/27 financial year. Of the 710 additional roles, 471 are corrections officers and with the remainder comprising probation officers, case managers, health staff such as nurses and psychologists, and learning and programme staff. I am advised that Corrections regularly monitors workload demand and available resources, adjusting staffing levels and recruitment targets to align with demand and ensure they can meet their obligations effectively. I am further advised that no decisions have been made at this stage in relation to adjustments to the funded frontline establishment (including Custodial Services, Community Partnerships and Pathways, and Pae Ora frontline workforces) as part of savings, optimisation, scaling, reprioritisation, fiscal sustainability, or efficiency initiatives.