State Election: The solution for prisons at capacity

THE LNP is working on a plan to reduce reoffending rates as Queensland’s prisons peak at more than 120 per cent capacity.

Sir David Longland Prison at Wacol in Brisbane — the State’s jails are overcrowded.

THE LNP is working on a plan to reduce reoffending rates as Queensland’s prisons peak at more than 120 per cent capacity.

A Gold Coast Bulletin report in February warned about 8000 released prisoners were breaking parole and being forced back to jail, adding $40 million in a year to the taxpayer bill.

Prison sources yesterday said the crisis had worsened as Corrective Services and police monitored jails where the population for the first time had topped more than 120 per cent.

Police fear the lack of spare beds in jails will continue to put extra pressure on magistrates and judges to give parole to violent offenders.

The Gold Coast Bulletin’s Going for Gold campaign wants both major political parties to boost Corrective Services resourcing to ensure violent criminals are not released on the streets.

LNP leader Tim Nicholls at Southport — he has pledged $8 million to solve the jail crisis. Picture Glenn Hampson

Opposition leader Tim Nicholls yesterday pledged an additional $8 million as part of the LNP’s plan to reduce reoffending rates among those released from jail.

“The LNP will invest $5 million in prisoner re-entry programs with a specific focus on reducing reoffending rates and to stop the revolving door of justice seen under Annastacia Palaszczuk,” he said.

“We will also provide certainty to the Youth Advocacy Centre and for the important programs they offer by extending their funding for a further three years.”

The Centre provides bail support initiatives for youths to help them find safe and appropriate accommodation and to prevent them spending time behind bars pending court.

“This funding will also enforce the importance of bail, particularly for young offenders awaiting court, as part of our plan to provide safe and liveable communities,” Mr Nicholls said.

Opposition Corrective Services spokesman Tim Mander said the LNP’s plan to reduce reoffending would not only cause a drop-off in crime but help alleviate the pressure on our overcrowded prison system.

LNP's Opposition police spokesman Tim Mander in Surfers Paradise — crime rates continue to rise under Labor. Picture Glenn Hampson

He said the state’s prisons were at least 15 per cent over capacity under Labor which had no real plan to reduce the numbers except to build suburban bail houses for young offenders next to families.

“Crime rates have continually increased under Labor, our prisons are overflowing and our youth detention centres have been embroiled in controversy with continual riots and centre lockdowns,” Mr Mander said.