Better Prisons Program

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (14:49): My question is to the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Can the minister update the house on how the Marshall Liberal government is creating more jobs as a result of the Better Prisons program?

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:50): I thank the member for Colton for his very important question and note that again the Marshall Liberal government is very proud to be producing more jobs for South Australians. I know that the member for Colton is very passionate about producing more jobs. I think everyone on this side of the house is also very excited to be creating more jobs for South Australians, and it is something we are wonderfully passionate about delivering.

As we saw in his speech just the other week, the Governor outlined the government's agenda, and what a great agenda it is. The one thing that is for certain is that we are getting things done. We are delivering better services, lower costs, and, of course, creating more jobs. I am pleased to inform the house that the sod has been turned on the $150 million Yatala expansion.

They don't like to hear about jobs on the other side, but over here that's what we are here for, and $150 million in the Yatala expansion is a very, very good investment—one of the biggest investments in our prison system in a generation. We know on that side of the house it was all about rack 'em, stack 'em and pack 'em. On this side of the house, we are delivering a better prison system—more beds at the Yatala prison and also 40 more beds at the Adelaide Women's Prison.

Our Better Prisons Program is delivering a jobs boom for South Australia: more jobs at the Northfield site in construction, more jobs in the prison system. Also, 300 people will be employed at Yatala—300 more people at Yatala normally wouldn't be a good thing. No, these aren't prisoners: these are workers, people working on this site and it’s delivering jobs as we said.

In addition, there are 270 new high-security beds at the Yatala prison for the men and, as I said 300 jobs at its peak in construction. We are investing in our corrections system and delivering more jobs for South Australia. This is an absolutely good outcome for everyone involved. I did point out that on that side it was all about rack 'em, stack 'em and pack 'em. Here we are delivering a better prison system, one that will get better outcomes, be able to facilitate better rehabilitation programs and make sure that people are prepared when they do leave prison to get back in the workforce.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: This government is committed to building that better system. They chortle away on the other side; they are not interested. Whenever we talk about jobs, they want to make noise, but we are here delivering for South Australia. The investment in these prison systems includes new technologies, investment in staff and a safe and efficient corrections system that will deliver better outcomes for all South Australians.

It was great to be out at the Northfield site the other day to turn the first sod and to just sense the construction that is in the air. People are excited. The workers out there were up and about. They haven't had this sort of investment in their lifetime, so it is going to be a good outcome. I talked about the significant construction going on at the Women's Prison.

One of the great things about this project as well—and I know that the member for Colton is very aware of this—is that this is delivering jobs and also delivering work experience for people within our women's prison system. They are learning skills, they are learning trades and they are learning skills that they can take to the outside when they leave the prison system, and that will help them get jobs as well. This is a big positive step forward for every one involved.

The Governor's speech also talked about a safe cells upgrade at the Remand Centre, and of course the member for Colton would be very interested in the 160 Remand Centre cells that have undergone a significant renovation to make sure they are in line with safe cell standards. We announced at the end of last year $15 million for the rollout of the new offender management system—again, investing in making a better prison system.

On one side, rack 'em, stack 'em and pack 'em, on this side a better prison system that is delivering jobs and delivering better services for all South Australians.

The SPEAKER: The member for West Torrens.