The state government and private business will work together under a new scheme to see hundreds of prisoners employed after their release, in order to help drive down reoffending and build safer communities.
Under the Post-Release Employment Opportunities program, a number of textile and food wholesaling businesses will provide employment for up to 225 people when they leave prison and return to the community over the next two years.
The employment opportunities are supported by vocational training and education undertaken inside Victorian prisons, including warehousing, food processing, general maintenance and textile work.
This employment program is supported by the investment in the Victorian Budget 2022-23 for two employment hubs at the Marngoneet Correctional Centre and Loddon Prison to help prisoners get sustainable employment when released.
The Prison Industries program within Corrections Victoria employs more than 1,400 prisoners from 13 public prisons in 65 distinct industries. In 2020-21 it achieved a turnover of $38 million and helped prisoners gain vital skills to re-enter the workforce.
Victorian corrections minister Natalie Hutchins said the partnership with private businesses would create more opportunities to improve community safety by supporting prisoners to get their lives back on track after they’re released.
“A job provides income, independence and the opportunity to be a contributing member of the community – all of
which are significant factors in reducing someone’s risk of reoffending and improving their life.”
