15 August 2006

Training and resources key to success of criminal justice system reform

“Increased training for employees in the criminal justice system and more staff and resources will ensure that the criminal justice reforms announced today can address concerns about the high rate of imprisonment and recidivist offenders,” said Richard Wagstaff, National Secretary of the Public Service Association.

The PSA represents over 2000 staff in the Department of Corrections.

In its briefing to the incoming Minister of Corrections last year, the PSA raised concerns that there was a lack of integration between the prison and probation services and under-funding of intervention services.

“We are pleased that the government has responded to our concerns about the services operating in isolation from each other,” said Richard Wagstaff. “The criminal justice system will be better served if staff from different agencies work together in the best interests of the offender and the public.”

“Additional intervention programmes will ensure that more drug and alcohol problems are identified and dealt with and that offenders are less likely to re-offend”

“The staff who run our criminal justice system are the key to making these government initiatives work.”

“This reform package must recognise the skills and experience that our prison and probation staff have in safely re-integrating offenders into society.”

“The recent pay settlement between the Department and the PSA addressed some recruitment and retention problems, however increased funding of the probation service will be necessary in order to deliver these reforms,” said Richard Wagstaff.

ENDS

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