A new report from the Victorian Ombudsman has slammed the state’s system of correctional justice for not doing enough to rehabilitate repeat offenders and cut prisoner numbers.
Ombudsman Deborah Glass investigated the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria and found that, between 2007 and 2014, a quarter of prisoners came from just 13 postcodes and, “even more alarmingly,” 50 per cent came from just six per cent of Victorian postcodes, one of which is Broadmeadows.
Ms Glass’s investigation was promoted by a surge in prisoner numbers, concerns about the rates of reoffending, and spiralling costs to the Victorian community.
“Victoria’s prison doors are rotating faster than at any time in recent history,” Ms Glass said.
Between 2012 and 2014, the state’s prison population grew by 25 per cent, while since 2011 the budget for correctional services has risen by 31 per cent, to $1.04 billion.
The links between disadvantage and imprisonment are also clear.
HomeGround Service’s deputy chief executive Heather Holst said people without stable housing were at far greater risk of returning to prison.
HomeGround offers a ‘justice housing support program’ to give people leaving the justice system access to affordable long-term housing.
“We need to support families, ensuring children have access to school, as well as employment services and long-term housing,” Ms Holst said.
Lexi Cottee
