Answers to Questions

Prison Greyhounds

138 Mr TELFER (Flinders) (7 February 2024). In relation to the Mobilong and Adelaide Women's Prison Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) programs:

(a) What evaluations have been conducted on the program and what were the results of those evaluations?

(b) How long has the program been running?

(c) How many inmates have participated in the program every year since it commenced?

(d) How many dogs were subsequently adopted after their participation in the program?

(e) Are inmates paid for their participation in the program?

(f) Are there any financial arrangements between Greyhound Racing and the Department for Correctional Services (DCS) in relation to the program?

(g) How many prison staff are dedicated to the administration and operation of this program and do these prison staff require additional qualifications to administer and operate this program?

(h) What qualifications and incentives can inmates earn from their participation in the program and how long does it take them to earn that qualification?

(i) Who teaches the inmates how to train the dogs?

(j) How much does it cost to run this program?

The Hon. D.R. CREGAN (Kavel—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Special Minister of State): I have been advised:

The Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) program commenced at the Adelaide Women's Prison (AWP) in 2014 and at the Mobilong Prison (MOB) in 2017.

AWP currently has eight greyhounds, and 10 prisoner handlers. MOB has 16 greyhounds, and 18 prisoner handlers.

Approximately 300 greyhounds have been adopted from MOB since the commencement of the program.

Prisoners receive a prison employment allowance pursuant to the Correctional Services Act 1982for their work as a GAP handler.

DCS has not borne any direct costs associated with the GAP program, which is funded through Greyhound Racing SA (GAPSA). There are dedicated DCS staff allocated to the program. Existing staff oversee and coordinate the program within their other duties.

GAPSA provides prisoners with training, induction and ongoing support. Participants do not receive a formal qualification. However, the program provides rehabilitative benefits, including positive mental health and wellbeing, and encourages participants' positive behaviour to maintain their position with the program.