Minister's column

Over the past couple of months, I have been impressed by simple innovations in Corrections which have made life easier and safer for Corrections staff, the public and offenders.

Innovation doesn’t have to be complex – often the simplest innovations have the most impact.

A great example is the Razor Policy which was implemented in May. High security and remand prisoners are now allowed a disposable safety razor for one hour only when they are shaving. This will help to prevent a significant number of self-harm, assault and contraband incidents which involve razor blades.

Another example of innovation is the Prison Release Teams, which have been in place in CPPS since April, and which I launched in Manurewa on 12 June. The teams will have Probation Officers specialise in the management of offenders who have been released from prison. This will improve the management of offenders recently released from prison on parole and other sentences.

In May, I visited a number of privately managed prisons in Victoria and Queensland. Both states have a small number of privately managed prisons and have been contracting management of prisons for many years (20 in the case of Queensland).

During this time, the private prisons have introduced many new ideas and programmes to the Victoria and Queensland prison systems. The prisons I visited offered niche services, such as special units for intellectually disabled prisoners and programmes for indigenous people.
 
The prisoners were locked down for fewer hours, had more contact with visitors (365 days at Port Philip Prison) and the opportunity to earn privileges with good behaviour. Some initiatives introduced by the private sectors, such as peer prisoner programmes, have been so successful that they have been adopted by the state-run institutions.

Currently, the Corrections (Contract Management of Prisons) Amendment Bill is being considered by the Law and Order Committee. This legislation will enable privately managed prisons to be established.

Excellent organisations are those that are continuously harnessing innovation, at both an organisational level and at an individual level. Creating an environment that supports innovation is essential.

I am open to considering any idea – no matter how out of the box it is – that improves the safety of staff and the public, and improves the rehabilitation of offenders. If you have ideas about how we can do our work better, please contact the Department of Corrections.

Hon Judith Collins
Minister of Corrections