ACT records a strong positive performance in Corrections

ACT records a strong positive performance in Corrections

The 2012 Report on Government Services released today demonstrates the ACT’s continuing strong positive performance in the area of Corrections.

"Corrections is about more than imprisoning detainees - it is about rehabilitating them for their return into the community. The decision by the ACT Government to build the AMC and bring ACT detainees back to the Territory has again been vindicated by these excellent outcomes" Dr Bourke said.

"Detainee enrolment in education and training is the highest in the country at 89.8%, compared to the national average of just 35%.

"The ACT maintained its high rates of detainee employment with 84.8% of the eligible population in employment, as opposed to the national average of 80.5%.

"The ACT has also recorded the best time out of cells, with prisoners averaging 13.3 hours per day compared to the national average of 11.4 hours.

"The ACT will continue to have a strong focus on improving education and programs offered to detainees. The Government considers that it is essential to try to turn these very strong participation rates into positive change for detainees and reduce recidivism and consequently the burden of crime on the community at large.’’

Statement Ends

31 January 2012