Released 27/07/2017
The ACT Government will lead a national effort to investigate the increase in women in Australia’s prisons.
Minister for Corrections Shane Rattenbury moved a motion at the Corrective Services Ministers’ Conference, held this week, for all governments to investigate the increase in women in prisons.
“The growing rates of female imprisonment is of concern to all jurisdictions, with an 8 per cent increase nationally in the 12 months to June 2016,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“As a result of my motion, the Corrective Services Administrators Council will prepare research on the increased rates of female offending and imprisonment and make recommendations on how to address this.
“The rising number of female prisoners is an area of national concern, with all Ministers across Australia experiencing the same issues as the ACT.
“Yesterday we toured Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre as a part of a broader discussion about women’s needs in prisons.”
As part of the motion, a paper outlining the reasons behind the increase and suggestions for addressing this problem will be produced to inform discussions at the next Corrective Services Ministerial Council, to be held next year.
The motion received unanimous support from all jurisdictions.
“The ACT is a small jurisdiction but leads the way in corrective services, opening up Australia’s first human rights prison in the Alexander Maconochie Centre and piloting the Extended Throughcare Program to support transition back to the community,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“I’m proud of the programs, services and support that we already provide to women detained in the Alexander Maconochie Centre, but the increasing numbers of women in prison presents new challenges for all jurisdictions.
“In order to ensure that Australian prisons provide the most appropriate assistance and support to women in prison, including successful transitions back into the community, we need to have a strong evidence base.
“I’m proud that ACT Corrective Services will be leading the way in tackling this challenging issue.”
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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