The move to build a new prison is foolish, regressive policy and is apparently the Liberals’ idea of vision.
The Hodgman Liberals are not properly funding the Risdon Prison and reception prison right now. The costs of running another facility will likely mean an even more resource-starved system, and more dangerous conditions for prisoners and staff.
The Liberals actively abandoned the “breaking the cycle” policy, despite the success other countries have had.
The Liberals’ tough on crime agenda has had clear results - more people offending, more crime and increasing prison populations.
The planned $270 million spend on a northern prison could be directed to drug rehabilitation, social programs, public housing and transport options for remote areas, bolstering employment and community participation.
These would reduce the prison population and the rates of reoffending, and make for a safer community.
The northern prison says all you need to know about the Hodgman Government’s approach. Their ‘lock them up’ mentality has no focus on rehabilitation and will just result in more crime and a less safe community.
