Prison Infrastructure

In reply to Mr ODENWALDER (Elizabeth) (26 July 2019). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing): The female sentenced population is projected to increase from 100.39 to 140.3 (growth rate of 3.35 per cent) and the female remand population is projected to increase from 83.77 to 171.98 (growth rate of 6.68 per cent). Overall the female prison population is projected to increase at an annual compound growth rate of 5.39 per cent over ten years.

It is noted that the use and accuracy of prisoner projections is crucial to forecast future trends and plan appropriately so that the prison system is capable of accommodating future prison populations.