Work Ready, Release Ready

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services. Will the minister inform the council about the Department for Correctional Services' Work Ready, Release Ready program?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:03): I thank the honourable member for his question. Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Workskil Australia annual leadership lunch, which is held in conjunction with the Adelaide Crows. Workskil's objective is to help Australians who are in difficulty, disadvantage or with a disability find and keep a decent job. The event's purpose was to highlight the benefits of women exiting the correction system.

The Department for Correctional Services proudly partnered with Workskil to deliver the government's Work Ready, Release Ready program, a program which truly changes lives. This initiative was first championed by the now Premier when he was the Minister for Correctional Services as part of the successful 10by20 plan, which we now know as the 20by26 plan. This has played a crucial role in South Australia achieving the lowest reoffending rate in our nation, but this program is about so much more than statistics; it is, at its very core, about people. I know that, when the Premier helped to bring the 10by20 reoffending strategy to life, it became one of his proudest early policy achievements, not because of the numbers and achieving the lowest or the highest, but because it was about changing lives.

Last Thursday, I was able to speak with Ellei-Rae and Tina, who completed the program and now have meaningful employment. Their stories are a testament to what is possible when we give people a second chance and the tools to succeed. The program wouldn't be possible without the businesses who were there at this event, who helped open the door and offered opportunities and believed in creating pathways for women who have been involved in the criminal justice system. Their willingness to participate, to listen and to invest in people is what makes the real difference. We all know that the job interview is never easy. For many the hardest part is taking that first step, in writing a CV, preparing for the interview or facing the uncertainty of what comes next with change.

On the day, Tina spoke about the biggest challenge being not having suitable clothing or even clothes that fit her when she was released from prison. That is why this program, Work Ready, Release Ready, is so important: they provide the skills, support and confidence so people can walk into an interview room with confidence and take that first step. Like the Premier, I believe a job is more than just a pay cheque. It is about being part of something bigger than yourself, it gives you a reason to leave your front door, to show up, and to contribute. It is about being part of a team, a community and having a sense of purpose and belonging.

On 4 March, I had the privilege of helping launch the Department for Correctional Services' Women's Framework and Action Plan for 2025-30. This plan gives us the knowledge and the directions we need to build on the success of programs like Work Ready, Release Ready. We know that when it comes to reducing reoffending, access to stable and meaningful employment is one of the most significant factors in breaking the cycle of crime in South Australia and reoffending. Employment provides dignity, it provides purpose and it provides belonging. On this day, we were able to thank the many women who took that first step to make these changes and were able to thank the many businesses that give them that chance.