❓ WA Parliamentary Question on Notice regarding the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in prisons and the steps taken by the Department of Corrective Services to address this issue, including the appointment of an Assistant Commissioner of Aboriginal Justice and various strategies aimed at reducing Indigenous imprisonment rates.
AnsweredQoN 1065Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
ABORIGINAL PEOPLE - OVERREPRESENTATION IN PRISONS
I refer to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in WA prisons. What steps have been implemented to date by the Department of Corrective Services’ assistant commissioner of Aboriginal justice to reduce the rate of Aboriginal imprisonment? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
I refer to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in WA prisons. What steps have been implemented to date by the Department of Corrective Services’ assistant commissioner of Aboriginal justice to reduce the rate of Aboriginal imprisonment? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Corrective Services, I have a response that is about one and a half pages long; therefore, I seek leave to table the answer and have it incorporated into Hansard. Leave granted. [See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Corrective Services, I have a response that is about one and a half pages long; therefore, I seek leave to table the answer and have it incorporated into Hansard. Leave granted. [See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Corrective Services, I have a response that is about one and a half pages long; therefore, I seek leave to table the answer and have it incorporated into Hansard. Leave granted. [See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
Leave granted. [See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
[See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Corrective Services, I have a response that is about one and a half pages long; therefore, I seek leave to table the answer and have it incorporated into Hansard. Leave granted. [See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the minister representing the Minister for Corrective Services, I have a response that is about one and a half pages long; therefore, I seek leave to table the answer and have it incorporated into Hansard. Leave granted. [See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
Leave granted. [See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
[See paper 3483.] The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
The Department of Corrective Services as a whole is committed to reducing the level of Indigenous Imprisonment, which currently is at an unacceptable level. The Department has introduced a number of strategies to reduce this level one of which is the appointment of the Assistant Commissioner Aboriginal Justice. Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
Since his appointment Mr Fong, a member of the Commissioner’s Executive Team has been visiting Prison and Community Services facilities throughout the State discussing issues with staff and identifying potential measures to ensure the Department effectively reduces the level of incarceration of indigenous offenders. A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
A short period of orientation was necessary to allow Mr Fong to become better informed about Corrective Services’ Offender management regimes and policies. The creation of Indigenous Policy Development and Research positions which will assist the Assistant Commissioner, Aboriginal Justice in his role, is proceeding as part of a fast track recruitment process. The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
The Assistant Commissioner’s role was created principally to provide leadership and focus on Indigenous issues for the whole of the Department. The imperative to work towards reducing Indigenous imprisonment is one which every staff member is asked to advance. To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
To this end a range of strategies are being implemented. Although not exhaustive these include: · Provision of education and vocational training and provision of job readiness skills to prisoners in regional prisons. · Departmental engagement with the mining industry to negotiate employment of minimum security prisoners on work release orders, and continuation of their employment on release into the community. · Development of culturally appropriate programming interventions for Aboriginal offenders, both in prison and in the community. · Effective coordination by relevant state agencies when working with Aboriginal clients to ensure diversionary programs are accessible, and lifestyle and culturally sensitive. Areas identified as ameliorating the present situation but yet to be implemented: · Increase in numbers and dispersal of Sheriff/Community Development officers; · Establishment of further Bail co-ordinators to assist offenders with bail requirements; · Employment release programs; · Increased use of Work camps through review of prerequisites for eligibility; · Dealing with those factors that inhibit increased usage by the judiciary of community-based sentencing as an alternative to imprisonment; and · Expansion of targeted offender and re-entry program support to prisoners.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.