But what happens after a criminal has served their time? Particularly those with a history of drug and alcohol abuse who choose, or are ordered to, seek help.

Often, a magistrate will recognise a person who would benefit from rehabilitation when their drug use is undeniably linked to a pattern of re-offending. A court-mandated drug diversion program is designed to address the issues behind a person's drug use and offending, rather than just sending them to jail. It's about breaking the link.

However, the vicious cycle of re-offending in Tasmania remains undeniable. In fact nearly half of the state's prisoners are back behind bars within two years of being released, with recidivism rates rising to 46.3 per cent. Clearly something is not working.

According to the state's Prison Legal Service, one of the main reasons for this is the "chronic failure" of the government, over many years, to adequately fund service providers working to support vulnerable individuals attempting to re-enter society.

The government maintains it recognises the importance of rehabilitation, with $6 million promised for alcohol and drug services and $2.5 million to secure 12 new residential rehabilitation beds.

However, considering the $270 million it's committed for the northern prison project roughly equates to about $1 million per prisoner - $8.5 million would appear to be a drop in the ocean.

This isn't about turning convicted criminals into the victim. This is about looking at the big picture. Because the cycle of re-offending in Tasmania is clearly the symptom of a failing system and it's making everyone sick. It's also expensive.

So if our corrections systems are failing to fulfill the purpose they were designed for - to correct and rehabilitate - perhaps it's time to change the system. Or at least, rethink where our priorities should be. Keeping people in jail, or out of it?