24598 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections

24598 (2026). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Corrections: What changes, if any, have been made since 1 January 2024 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: I am advised that Corrections continuously monitors probation workload demand and available staffing resources, and adjusts funded establishment and recruitment accordingly. This ensures resources are aligned with demand so Corrections can effectively administer community sentences and orders, support reintegration, and maintain public safety. Adjustments to funded probation officer establishment have not been made as part of savings, optimisation, scaling, reprioritisation, fiscal sustainability, or efficiency initiatives. A key focus has been on recruitment and retention. Between January 2024 and May 2026, the number probation officer equivalent full-time equivalents (FTEs) increased from 1,380 to 1,398, while the attrition rate improved from 11 percent to 8 percent over the same period.