Prisoner Support and Treatment

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:59): I have a question to the Minister for Correctional Services. Can the minister tell the chamber about what the government is doing to support offenders to assist them to reintegrate back into mainstream society?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:59): Just as importantly, if not more importantly, I thank the Hon. Mr Ngo for a very good question. This is an important issue. I have not been backward in coming forward around some of the challenges that face our correctional services system in South Australia. All would share a desire to see reduced the rate of recidivism in our community. The Hon. Mr Ngo's question is an important and pertinent one when it comes to corrections reform in South Australia.

Earlier today it was my great pleasure to have the opportunity to be at the head office of OARS in Hindmarsh, a fantastic organisation, to launch the home detention integrated support services program. This is a new program that will be delivered by OARS Community Transitions to equip offenders on home detention with the skills and the support they need to positively reintegrate back into the community.

It has been funded following the state government's allocation of $15.58 million to the expansion of home detention in the recent state budget. OARS Community Transitions has been a partner of the Department for Correctional Services for a number of years. It has demonstrated a strong capacity over a number of years to provide support programs to offenders that improve their long-term outcomes following release.

International evidence shows that investment in rehabilitation, which focuses on addressing social problems and increases family and community links, decreases the likelihood of reoffending. This leads to a wide range of long-term social and economic benefits to the state. Additionally, it is internationally understood that offenders on community-based orders have a lower rate of recidivism.

Coupling home detention orders with tailored programs that improve outcomes will lead to significant benefits for the broader South Australian community. The home detention integrated support services program first identifies the needs of an offender, with OARS then designing a tailored support plan to address their needs. The needs of an offender may relate to housing, employment, drug and alcohol services, mental health, gambling, financial budgeting, independent living skills and education, just to name a few.

The program offered ranges from four weeks to over three months, depending on the needs of the individual, and already a number of people within the organisation (in excess of 30) who are within the program, having been referred by Corrections. Of this year's additional funding for home detention, $200,000 will be available to not-for-profit organisations for community-based programs. The Department for Correctional Services works with a number of not-for-profit organisations, such as OARS, which are instrumental in the positive reintegration of offenders back into the community.

Finally, I congratulate OARS, in particular Leigh Garrett, the CEO of OARS, for their absolute passion for this area within our society. It is incredibly valuable work and often goes unrecognised. People tend not to get too much kudos within the community when they are working with people who have been released from gaol. It takes a degree of courage, I think—a lot of courage—to put up your hand and decide that you are going to help out or try to assist someone who has done wrong within our community. There is something incredibly powerful and generous about that act.

I wholeheartedly commend OARS and other not-for-profit organisations that are committed to transitioning people out of custody and back into the community, not just because it makes our community safer, not just because it means we have fewer victims, but also because I think that it is an inherently right thing to do.