PRISON ACCOMMODATION

In reply to Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (8 October 2010).

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Gambling): I am advised that in the 2009-10 Capital Investment Statement, the Prisons—Additional Accommodation major project line indicated an estimated total cost of $15.521 million (for 446 beds).

The increase of $16.746 million (to the $32.267 million reported in the 2010-11 Capital Investment Statement) relates to $16.2 million for the Port Augusta Prison 80 bed cell block, and $546,000 for the cost of one Project Manager (and associated costs) for the Port Lincoln Prison, Port Augusta Prison and Mount Gambier Prison projects over three years.

The costs associated with the Port Lincoln Prison low security unit were already included in the budget estimates at the time of the 2009-10 budget.

A budget for the Mount Gambier Prison expansion has not yet been provided to the Department for Correctional Services. A provision is held centrally by the Department of Treasury and Finance and a budget will be provided to the Department for Correctional Services when a specific proposal is finalised and approved by Cabinet.