Rigney, Mr R.G.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (14:53): A supplementary question: exactly how complex is the process to receive a returning prisoner back into prison, and on average how long should it take to complete that process? Given that the minister concedes that Mr Rigney is technically unlawfully out of prison, will he face any consequences for being unlawfully out of prison, even though he has tried to turn himself back in, when he does return?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:53): I thank the honourable member for her question; it is a reasonable one to ask but it is not one I can answer. What punishment is issued by the courts to Mr Rigney for being unlawfully at large is a matter for the courts. I am not in a position to make that decision nor influence it.

Regarding the first part of the question on the complexity of admission of people into prison, it is complex. That might not be a logical position or a logical answer, but there is a whole range of processes and procedures that need to be complied with to ensure that DCS is holding prisoners in custody legally. There quite appropriately are a range of checks and balances in place to ensure that that is the case, and, of course, where you have a lot of detail to be able to get things right, that does bring with it complexity, particularly in this particular instance where the nature of the order issued by the court, I am advised, is very unusual.