Any financial implications from the government's decision to switch sites for a third time for the proposed Northern Regional Prison are yet to hit the budget, but a significant increase in funding is on the way for improved rehabilitation services in Risdon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The government is still budgeting for a $270 million Northern prison, despite switching its focus from a forested bush reserve on dolerite rock near Westbury, to retrofitting and expanding Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
The decision appears to have pushed the already-delayed project further back, with funding significantly reduced in 2024-25 reflecting that works are not expected to start until after then.
The government recently announced it was solely considering Ashley.
Funding for prison services has been increased however, including $8 million more in the coming 12 months and $4.8 million more in the year after. The majority of this increase was due to the replacement of the mobile duress alarm system in Risdon, but also greater investment in rehabilitation programs.
This includes $500,000 for literacy programs. Funding has also been provided for body scanning technology in all correctional facilities as part of plans to limit the use of physical body searches.
The establishment of new youth justice facilities will receive $2.5 million in 2022-23, scaling up to $17.5 million and $20 million for the following two years.
Funding is also being increased for community corrective services, including a $2.2 million boost in both of the next two years.
Other funding commitments for Tasmania's justice system include $7.6 million for the newly-created Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and $4.9 million for the Safe at Home family violence service system.
Justice Minister Elise Archer said this program was designed to give various agencies - including Legal Aid and the departments of Communities, Justice, Education and Police - more resources to respond to victim-survivors of family violence.
Why not have your say? Write a letter to the editor here:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
Adam Holmes
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
