Guarantees for inmates sought

By Peter de Graaff

Federation has written to the Iemma Government and Opposition seeking commitments relating to inmates. The commitments sought are:

1. Amend the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act to provide a legislative guarantee for the provision of inmate education and vocational training, libraries and a right for inmates to be able to participate in such programs.

2. That increased funding be provided for the provision of inmate education and vocational training, libraries and for improved access to such programs.

Currently there is no statutory requirement that guarantees the provision of education and vocational training programs, including the provision of well-stocked libraries with access to a range of legal resource and reference materials. Inmates currently do not have a statutory right to education.

Longitudinal studies conducted in the United States support the view that the most effective means of reducing re-offending is the provision of education and vocational training to inmates, and that there is a "statistically significant correlation between participation in education and a lower rate of recidivism".

Many inmates entering the correctional system have low literacy, numeracy and communication skills, and often are early school leavers. The Federation believes that existing funding enhancements for the provision of literacy, numeracy and work skills programs should be expanded.

With continuing increases to the inmate population and the opening of new correctional centres the Federation believes that commitments should be given to ensure increased inmate participation and access.

On January 25 Federation had a positive meeting with the Justice Minister Tony Kelly where the commitments Federation is seeking prior to the state election were discussed.

Minister Kelly indicated that Iemma Government funding priorities for the future would be aligned with the State Plan, and reducing re-offending figured within this. The Minister will provide the Federation with a written response concerning the commitments being sought.

The Opposition has written to the Federation stating that it is preparing a written response concerning this matter.

Peter de Graaff is the TAFE Organiser.

©2000-2002 NSWTF Online is a resource for teachers
provided by the NSW Teachers Federation.
[Authorisation of election comment] [Privacy]

http://www.nswtf.org.au/journal_extras/finmates.html
Last Modified: 08 Feb 2007