CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (14:57): My question is directed to the Minister for Correctional Services. Minister, can you advise the house with regard to highlights that have occurred in the Department for Correctional Services over the past 12 months?

The Hon. J.J. Snelling interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Before the minister rises, the Minister for Health is warned for the second and final time. There will be no further warnings. The Minister for Police.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Finance, Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:58): I thank the member for Ashford for this question and take the opportunity to recognise the many accomplishments of the Department for Correctional Services over the past 12 months. The challenging work and activities performed day in and day out by Corrections staff can often be overlooked, so it is actually important that we acknowledge their successes.

There were a number of infrastructure upgrades during the year, including the commissioning of a new 90-bed unit at Port Augusta Prison, a 108-bed new unit at Mount Gambier Prison and upgrades to the Northfield precinct, to name just a few. Also, as a result of extensive work in 2012-13, the new gatehouse at Yatala Labour Prison and reception at the Adelaide Remand Centre both now host some of the most advanced access control technologies available on the market. These include biometric iris scanning, drug and explosives monitoring equipment, and state-of-the-art metal detection systems.

In the past 12 months, there was an increase in the frequency of drug testing of offenders, to 6,939 compared to 5,605 in 2011-12. Drug testing in the custodial environment also increased from 4,108 in 2011-12 to 4,649 tests in 2012-13. Prison searches are another tool the department has employed efficiently during the past year. In 2012-13, these were increased to 83,199 searches compared with 57,057 in 2011-12. There is an immense workforce behind such operations, and the efforts are to be commended.

I was very concerned to hear on radio this morning the unwarranted criticism of Corrections officers by the member for Stuart, who accused them, effectively, of being drug traffickers. He said, and I quote, 'It is actually known that this is one of the top four ways that contraband material gets into prisons.' This is a very serious allegation to make, and I find it most disturbing. I urge the member for Stuart, or any other member who has intelligence about criminal activity, to pass on this information to police.

I also place on record my confidence in the integrity of Corrections officers. It is shameful that they have been publicly denigrated today by the shadow minister. This government is committed to maintaining a well-run prison system, and I can assure Corrections officers their jobs are safe in the public sector. Unlike the opposition and the Leader of the Opposition, who has failed to rule out privatisation—

Mrs REDMOND: Point of order. The minister has now strayed into debate, discussing what the Leader of the Opposition, or the opposition itself, has as policy.

The SPEAKER: I will listen to what the minister has to say and, if he is straying, he will be dealt with. Minister.

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN: I have no wish to be dealt with, Mr Speaker. I will conclude my remarks.

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Supplementary.

The SPEAKER: If it is a supplementary and if it is a question.