DOCSLIB.ORG

The Cost of in Australia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Cost of in Australia If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. ., -- ,~----- '. \\ )) • 'I, I CI?-.J:,;/!r ;~ ! National Criminal Justice Reference Service t:r,j S--=-flJ COSTS OF CRIME SERIES No.1 (' l-------~-....---... r/!,it nCJrs This microfiche was produced from documents received for inclusion in the NCJRS data base. Since NCJRS cannot exercise control over the physical condition of the documents submitted, the individual frame quality will v~ry. The resolution chart on this frame may be used to evaluate the document quality. 11111.0 THE COST OF IMP~SONMENT 111111.1 IN AUSTRALIA 111111.25 111111.4 111111.6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS·1963·A Microfilming procedures used to create this fiche comply with ! the standards set forth in 41CFR 101-11.504. by W. Clifford Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those of the author(s) and do not represent the official position or policies of the U. S. Department of Justice. , 1 National Institute of Justice , < United States Department of Justice Washington, D. C. 20531 11/B/84 "V" .- - -~---~--- --------~ _ _.._-------___-- ____ THE COST O~ IM~ISONMENT~USTRALIA By w. Cliffo;d* t ¥ ff~ Ie HOO~ i I ACQUU;;!TIONS '* Director, Australian Institut€. of Criminology 'u.' ____________,__________ --'-_~ _______________~ ____~ __~ ___________________ , • " :!" ',' I~ ~, t ~ ! , FOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This attempt to analyse the costs of imprisonment in Australia began as part of a larger study on the costs of crime which was deferred because of financial constraints imposed on the Institute over the past two or three years. Nevertheless, some work had been done before we had to relinquish the services of assistants and this is now being made available for. those who may be able to carry the study further forward. In presenting now what is available on costs of imprisonment it is necessary to make clear that this survey would not have been possible at all Without the cooperation and encouragement of the Commonwealth Grants CommiSSion and the Commissioners of Corrections in several States. U.S. Department of Justice 8 8 2 41 Nat/onal Inslftute of Jusl/ce This dOcument has been re rodu The obvious delay in publication has again been due to the pers?n or organization origin~ting i~e: ~)(actry ,as received from the In thIs dOcument are those of th . o~nts of vIew or Opinions stated '" Jreprt~sent the offiCial POSition or P~I~~~so~~ tahndNdo not necessarily reduced resources of the Institute which curtailed the staff time us Ice. e allonal Insfitute of PermisSion to reproduc tho availabl~ for its compilation and production. granted by e IS Copyrighted material has been U I' II _~ill~am Clifford/Australia 11 of ,./ _I.E..st~tute crimfn~n i to the National Criminal JUstice Aeference Service (NCJA; 11 ,iI' II ~;::;: Further reproduction outside of Ih N II sion of tr.d Copyright OWner. e CJAS system requires permls- II j( 1/i. li ij I' II,I I, v I ~-. --------------~------- ----"-- - 2 - 1963/64 - 1973/74 and the costs of prisons in Western Australia have INTRODUCTION been closely scrutinized by Prisgrove.(2) The only detailed comparative study of prison expenditure in the various jurisdictions, however, is that undertaken by Rook and Demetrious, (3) and which Frequent reference is made in the relevant criminological is largely based on expenditure during 1975/76. Their approach has literature to the fact that prisons are comparatively expensive been generally followed in the present analysis. institutions to build and maintain. That they get only a marginal share of public revenue, that they are expensive, under-financed, AUSTRALIAN PRISON SYSTEMS - A BRIEF OVERVIEW wasteful and unnecessary, yet they are being used in some countries more than ever and calls for retribution make it clear that they are Each State and the Northern Territory maintains its own unlikely to suddenly disappear. prison system although the present study does not include the latter jurisdiction for reasons explained below. The Australian Capital Just how expensive are the prisons? What is the cost of Territory has a remand centre only, persons sentenced to imprisonment keeping an inmate in prison? How much do non-offenders or those who in that jurisdiction serving their sentences in New South Wales. offend but are not imprisoned pay to maintain those who are? The Persons who commit offences against the Commonwealth and who receive answers to these important questions often remain elusive and in the prison sentences are detained in a State Institution, the Commonwealth full sense of costs and benefits there will be difficulties in Government offsetting the appropriate costs incurred by the States. quantifying a great many of the factors. In Australia there has been very little research into prison expenditure, either within a In three States, New South Wales, South Australia and particular jurisdiction or between jurisdictions; there is a time Western Australia, the authority responsible for prisons/correctional gap between expenditure and publication which dates the material by services is an autonomous department. Prisons in Queensland are the time it appears and there are geographical differences which administered by the Department of Community Welfare Services while in affect the analysis. What follows is an attempt to bring earlier work Victoria they are the responsibility of the Department of Community a little closer to the present. Welfare. On the other hand the Tasmanian prison system is administered by the Attorney-General's Department. Kononewsky(!) has examined broad patterns of e,~penditt.\re on gaols and reformatories in the Australian States duril'ig the period ,_____ r ______ _ - 3 - - 4 - Probation and parole services in New South Wales, Victoria These are only some of the differences between the criminal and South Australia are provided by the relevant prisons/correctional justic.e practices in the various jurisdictions which must be borne authorities whereas in the other States these functions are performed in mind when comparing patterns of prison expenditure in Australia. by anoth er d epartmen.t Work release programmes are currently being These variations and others such as those pertaining to prisoner implemented by prisons/correctional authorities in all States except classification, remission procedures, prisoners' pay and academic, Victoria and South Australia while periodic detention is a semi- vocational and social-recreational activities available to prisoners custodial alternat i ve t 0 ordinary imprisonment in New South Wales, will have Some effect 011 financial outlays for prison/correctional Victoria and Queensland. facilities and services to ascertain. As this is written the Victorian Department of Community METHODOLOGY Welfare operates an attendance centre programme in lieu of a work release scheme, and in Tasmania and Western Australia courts may This is essentially a descriptive study without the economic impose on offenders work or community service orders as an alternative sophistication of opportunity costs or conversions of time to money to imprisonment.(4) values. In all States except Victoria at the time of this study the No attempt was made to follow through the cost~ of minimum age at which a person may be sentenced to imprisonment, imprisonment to the offender himself, to his family and ultimately, allowing for judicial discretion, is 18 years. Judges in Victoria through loss of man-hours and welfare payments, to society itself~ may eith er sentence offenders aged 17 to 21 years to a period of For this kind of calculation far more resources would have been detention in either a prison or youth training centre. Non-parole need~d than were available for the inquiry. However, it was periods or minimum sen t ences are commonly set in New South Wales, considered necessary to identify recurring expenditure for items such Victoria and Western Australia whereas in South Australia minimum as salaries/wages, maintenance, consummables and general sentences are determined only with respect to serious offences. In administration as well as capital expenditure for con.struction, of Queensland non-parole periods are not usually set, although judges facilities, site works and plant and equipment. Furthermore, it was may make recommendations which are not binding; while in Tasmania thought advisable to determine, insofar as possible, the extent to no minimum sentences are d e t ermi n ed • Prisone,rs in South Australia, : which such recurrent expenditure is offset by revenue, particularly Queensland and Tasmania may apply for parole after serving half their by the production value of the work which is performed by prisoners. sentence. Lh' ,~ .. - - 5 - - 6 - The main sources of such information are the annual reports It cannot be over-emphasized that due to problems of data of the prison/correctional authorities but unfortunately, albeit availability and compatability the present study had to be ~ased on understandably, there is no uniformity in the documentation of prisons statistics from three distinct and disparate sources. These have, expenditure and revenue in these reports. The Australian Bureau of as far as possible, been integrated in order to develop a "composite" Statistics has not published "uniform" prison expenditures for the picture of prison costs. It would have been highly desirable to use a various States for some years, (5) but even if such data were single source of data and thus overcome the numerous problems of published there would remain considerable difficulties in making variations in definition, accounting procedures, classification and further adjustments to ensure that items of expenditure were, at least the like. Furthermore it would have been useful to consider all costs reasonably, comparable. between States over a span of several years but again this was not possible as uniform and adequate data at the desired level of detail The present study therefore is largely based on costs during could not be obtained.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Charting New Waters 2015-2018
    THREE YEARS ON 2015-2018 Charting new waters OUR GOVERNANCE BRINGING HOPE Offering the chance to change Bringing Hope is our in-prison volunteering program. Each week JOHN DR LYNN HENRY Second Chances SA volunteers visit prisons right across South DOYLE AC, QC ARNOLD AO OLONGA Australia - providing friendship and practical support including PATRON JUSTICE ADVOCATE AMBASSADOR banking and property storage. To break the cycle of crime we focus our attention on giving BOARD MEMBERS ADVISORY PANEL those in prison the opportunity to turn their life around. Our volunteers support prisoners before and after release - providing Chairman: Timothy Minahan Bob Brooks Glenn O’Rourke Gary Byron AM mentoring and friendship as they encourage those they come Vice Chairman: Julian Grobler Brenda Bates Jayme Watson Rev Bill Reddin alongside to live crime-free futures. Secretary: Les Dennis Geoff Glanville Peter Do Treasurer: Krystal Gurney Paula Dickson FROM THE CHAIRMAN FROM THE CEO 3,212 They said, “You won’t last the year” – but we did. After 20 years For two years we dreamt of relocating to ground floor offices, on with a national charity, we moved away 1 February 2015 to form a traffic corridor not far from the city precinct. As at 1 January Adult prisoners in SA* an exclusive South Australian charity. We wanted to be more 2018 we entered into a three year lease on 229 Fullarton Road *SA Department for Correctional Services (2018) holistic, focussed and expand our programs specifically on the Eastwood giving us our own place with off street parking. Second Chances SA in-prison volunteers work needs of the invisible victims of crime – the children of prisoners.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards Safer and More Congruent Prison Environments for Male Aboriginal Prisoners a Southaustralian Study
    ({{ Iqlo, \ ''": ,'/ / ,':;r\'\' ., ..' Towards Safer and more Congruent Prison Environments for Male Aboriginal Prisoners A SouthAustralian Study Elizabeth Grant A thesis submitted to the University of Adelaide in fulfilment of the requirernents of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy The School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design June2008 A Suulh Alisrra!iarl Table of Contents List of Figures .....................................................................................................................................................xi List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................................... xv Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................................. xvii Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................................................................ xix Abstract .......................................................................................................................... , ................................. xxi Declaration ..................................................................................................................................................... xxiii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Correctional Services
    Department for Correctional Services Financial report for the year ended 30 June 2018 Government of South Australia INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT � Auditor-General's Department ��M1 Level 9 State Administration Centre 200 Victoria Square Adelaide SA 5000 DX 56208 Victoria Square Tel +618 8226 9640 Fax +618 8226 9688 ABN 53 327 061 410 [email protected] www.audit.sa.gov.au To the Chief Executive Department for Correctional Services As required by section 31 (1)(b) of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, I have audited the financialreport of the Department for Correctional Services for the financial year ended 30 June 2018. Opinion In my opinion, the accompanying financialreport gives a true and fair view of the financial position of the Department for Correctional Services as at 30 June 2018, its financial performance and its cash flows for the then year ended in accordance with the Treasurer's Instructions promulgated under the provisions of the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 and Australian Accounting Standards. The financial report comprises: • a Statement of Comprehensive Income forthe year ended 30 June 2018 a Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2018 • a Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2018 a Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2018 notes, comprising significantaccounting policies and other explanatory information • a Certificate fromthe Chief Executive and the Executive Director, People and Business Services. Basis for opinion I conducted the audit in accordance with the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 and Australian Auditing Standards.
    [Show full text]
  • August· \989 L------Ii
    If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. I~' -=.~;z'_ ~..-! i!'£'i!i!_' ;""""6 ...... "'-"'-" ---- ~:FOICE OF CRIME STATISTICS Y -­ rney-Gen era I'5 Department " 2 sociAl iSSUES SEmESLIl.----------------:--: THE-- IMPACT Of PAROLE LEGISLATION CHANGE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA , " . _________ ~AUGUST· \989 L-----------II S·A. DEPARTMENT OF C RESEARCH AND P ORRECTIONAL SERVICES LANNING UNIT l \ 15 I z.,7 Social Issues Series No. 2 August 1989 THE IMPACT OF PAROLE LEGISLATION CHANGES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ATIORNEY·GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT RESEARCH AND PLANNING UNIT OFFICE OF CRIME STATISTICS 118127 u.~. Department of JUstfce Nal/onal Institute of Justice This document has been re rodu ce ine~~on or organization origin~ing it : .e~act/y.as received from the IS document are those of the' % s of view or opinions stated ~:~~~ent the official position or POI~~~~o~~ t~ndNdo. not necessarily . e allonal Instilute of Permission to reprod h' granted by uce I IS copyrighled material has been -J\t~?LIL~_~GE~J1gra11 --Q£f~Q.e--.D£ Cr' -----.---~.-Pe&Cl...~'tmen t t~P~~,*~ J m~S.:tat j s tics I JUstice Reference Service (NCJRS Further reproduction outside of h J. Slon of Ihe copyright owner. I e NCJRS system requires permis. 1l1?/ZI CONTENTS PREFACE i 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. PAROLE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA 3 3. THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF PAROLE 5 4. HOW THE PAROLE CHANGES WERE COMMUNICATED AND ACCEPTED 11 4.1 The Views of Correctional Staff and Offenders 4.2 How Prison Managers and Judges Viewed the Parole Changes 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Prisoner's Kids: the Invisible Victims of Crime
    Prisoner’s Kids: The Invisible Victims of Crime An evidence-based report on the importance of a holistic approach to crime Prepared by Nova Smart Solutions For Second Chances SA July 2016 Executive summary This report from Nova Smart Solutions presents thorough, a positive impact in their lives and a very high return (i.e. evidence-based research that shows South Australia is facing a for every dollar spent there is an impact ten times larger). critical issue - the alarming lack of awareness of the situation Nevertheless, due to a lack of awareness by community and of children following the imprisonment of a parent. authorities about PKs, only few organisations in our country are taking action to tackle this issue. The current legal, prison and educational systems neglect these kids. In South Australia, when a person is imprisoned there is In South Australia, Second Chances SA (SCSA) has identified this not any formal record that captures his or her parenthood issue. SCSA is the only agency in South Australia (within and status. This data-capture failure contributes to neglect the outside of Government) that works implementing programs needs of a group of overlooked and vulnerable children that are that reduce the probability of PKs going to prison. themselves highly likely to end up in prison. This report presents an issue that we face as a society and The failure to track the status of these children risks fostering an breaks down the work that SCSA is currently doing with PKs. intergenerational cycle of crime. Whilst there is little research The benefits brought to our community by SCSA’s holistic about the probability of Prisoner’s Kids ending up in prison, the approach needs further financial support to continue and US Department of Justice estimates that imprisoning a parent improve its impacts in the future.
    [Show full text]
  • Trainee Correctional Officers Thinking of Joining Corrections?
    FOR OPPORTUNITY. FLEXIBILITY. PURPOSE. TRAINEE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS Department For Correctional Services Yatala Labour Prison, Adelaide Womens Prison/Pre-Release Centre, Mobilong Prison, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln Prison and Cadell Training Centre Full Time/Part Time Positions Available Training Salary: $51,120 pa (CO1) for first 12 weeks plus superannuation Qualified Salary: $55,315 - $63,026 pa (CO2) after 12 weeks plus superannuation The base salary plus appropriate penalties equates to an approximate annual average of $68,500 pa plus Superannuation. THINKING OF JOINING CORRECTIONS? The Department for Correctional Services (DCS) offers career opportunities that are challenging, demanding and rewarding. DCS contributes to building a safe, just and fair society where the supervision and rehabilitation of offenders is humane, and the rights of the victims are respected. Trainee Correctional Officers work in South Australian institutions performing a range of duties related to the security, safety and welfare of prisoners. This is a unique opportunity to provide a positive role model to prisoners. You will contribute to prisoner rehabilitation efforts to reduce the risk of re-offending on return to the community. DCS is a socially inclusive employer that recognises the benefits of having a workforce that reflects community diversity and culture. We strive to achieve a diverse range of Correctional Officers and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+, and women. Part time positions are available as part of the SA Government’s commitment to diversity and workplace flexibility. Candidates must be aged 18 years or over, be a Permanent resident or Australian citizen and possess a current unrestricted driver’s licence.
    [Show full text]
  • Nnual Report
    If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE ::/)iJ'ec/ol' ADELAIDE nnual Report Director, Department of Correctional Services 1973-74 r - SOUTH AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT OF THE South Australian Departlnent OF Correctional Services For the Year 1973-74 " By AUTHORITY: A. B. JAMES, Government Printer, South Australia 1975 rl r [p.P.38 Report on the Activities of the Department of Correctional Services for the Year 1973-74 The Honourable the Chief Secretary. Sir-t have the honour to pre~ent my report on the activities of the Dep<lrtment llf Corre~tional S~f\ ke~ for the year ended 30th June, J 974. The mo~t ~igniiicant feature for the year \\-as undoubtedly the publkation of the hr~t Repllft of the Criminal Law and Penal Methods Reform Committee. Whiht there are many ueLi"ions yet required on the sections to be implementeu and the priorities to be ob~er.,eu, we ha\e had. for the fir"t time ~in(e the early J 900\ (-,0 far as l can ascertain) an inuepenuent re\ie\~ of the whole "y,tem. \VlIiI..,t a number of the recommendation" have been departmental policy for .,ome time. the review of legislation , .. ill formalise much or what b being uone, and the other change,> emi~aged are at present hein,!! u'i,>e..,..,ed and reported on. Probably the most intere'>ting aspect of the Fir..,t Report wa.., it-. re(llmmelhlation that the department shoulu continue to lIe\c1op a.., an integrateu unit.
    [Show full text]
  • Pre-Sentence Reports
    Department for Correctional Services Information for Professionals Visiting Prisoners in South Australian Prisons Version 9 – May 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................... 1 PRIVACY AND YOUR INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................. 3 VISITS INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY ........................................................................................................... 4 THE BIOMETRIC ENROLMENT SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................................ 5 SCREENING PRIOR TO ENTRY ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 YOUR SAFETY IN PRISONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 6 DUTY OF CARE ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6 COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................................................ 7 INSTITUTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • EXH 0009 Department for Correctional Services Overview 2020
    Department for Correctional Services Overview 31/01/2020 Prepared by the Office for Correctional Services Review OFFICIAL: Sensitive Contents Department for Correctional Services Overview ............................................................................. 5 Chief Executive Welcome ................................................................................................................... 5 Strategic Overview ............................................................................................................................... 6 Mission, Vision and Values ............................................................................................................. 6 Outcomes .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Strategic Plan .................................................................................................................................... 7 Business Plan ................................................................................................................................... 8 Shaping Corrections ........................................................................................................................ 8 Safety and Security ........................................................................................................................ 10 Serious Offender Committee .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • HCV Infection in South Australian Prisoners
    HCV Infection in South Australian Prisoners: Prevalence, Transmission, Risk Factors and Prospects for Harm Reduction Emma Ruth Miller (MPH) Discipline of Public Health, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Adelaide September 2006 Contents Papers published, submitted or presented during candidature..............................i Abstract..............................................................................................................ii Declaration........................................................................................................ iv Acknowledgements ............................................................................................ v Introduction........................................................................................................ 1 1 HCV: a brief overview................................................................................. 3 1.1 Infection with HCV.................................................................................................4 1.1.1 The virus .........................................................................................................5 1.1.2 The test............................................................................................................6 1.1.3 The natural history..........................................................................................7 1.1.4 The available treatment...................................................................................9
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2009 – 2010
    ANNUAL REPORT 2009 – 2010 Level 2, 400 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Telephone: 08 8226 9000 www.corrections.sa.gov.au As at 30 June 2010 Office of the Chief Executive 21 October 2010 Level 2 400 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 DX 147 GPO Box 1747 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Tel: 08 8226 9000 Honourable Tom Koutsantonis MP Fax: 08 8226 9226 Minister for Correctional Services www.corrections.sa.gov.au Level 6, 45 Pirie Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 Dear Minister I am pleased to present to you the Department for Correctional Services’ Annual Report for the 2009-2010 financial year. This report is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009, the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987, and the Correctional Services Act 1982; and also the guidelines provided in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s Circular 13, re-issued in July 2010. I provide this report within the provisions of Section 9(1) of the Correctional Services Act 1982, which states that an Annual Report must be submitted to you not later than 31 October in each year. The report summarises the Department’s achievements throughout the year, supporting the Government’s commitment to providing a safer community through its contribution to criminal and social justice in South Australia. I commend this Annual Report to you. Yours sincerely PETER SEVERIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE CONTENTS DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES .................................................................................... 1 HIGHLIGHTS 2009–2010......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • “Pack 'Em, Rack 'Em and Stack 'Em”: the Appropriateness of the Use and Reuse of Shipping Containers for Prison Accommodatio
    “Pack 'em, rack 'em and stack 'em”: The Appropriateness of the Use and Reuse of Shipping Containers for Prison Accommodation Elizabeth Grant, (The University of Adelaide, Australia) Abstract Shipping containers are gaining increasing recognition for their apparent durability, adaptability, light weight, ‘low cost’ and ease of stacking, spurring a trend that has resulted in shipping container sculpture, homes, housing, hotels, and museums. The use of prefabricated, pre-manufactured and prototype building methods for prison construction has grown considerably as some jurisdictions attempt to deal with the construction of prisons with speed and economy. In the last three years, shipping containers have been used in the prison sector as a way of managing burgeoning prison populations. Recent prison developments in both Australia and New Zealand where shipping containers have been employed for prisoner housing are of considerable interest. In this article, the financial, functional, structural, technical, environmental and architectonic impacts of this approach are discussed. Keywords: Prison construction, Shipping containers, Prison architecture, Material reuse, Building methods Introduction The advent of the shipping container revolutionised the transport industry (Levinson 2006) profoundly impacting the geography of production and distribution. Production became globalised as distribution systems were able to interact more efficiently (Theo and Jean- Paul; 2008; Notteboom and Rodrigue 2008) with the invention of the shipping container, which allowed goods to be moved between rail, road and sea transport with minimal handling. In 1970, container design was standardised worldwide through the introduction of the International Standards Organization (ISO) shipping container (Sawyers 2011). A typical ISO compliant container is constructed of corrugated weathering and corrosion resistant steel with double leaf doors at one end.
    [Show full text]