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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-07-03 Daily Xml
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Department for Correctional Services, $400,308,000


Minister:

Hon. J.K. Szakacs, Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services.


Departmental Advisers:

Mr D. Brown, Chief Executive, Department for Correctional Services.

Mr C. Sexton, Executive Director, People and Business Services, Department for Correctional Services.

Ms M. Deer, Manager, Executive Services, Department for Correctional Services.

Ms S. Borrillo, Executive Services Officer, Department for Correctional Services.


The CHAIR: The portfolio is the Department for Correctional Services. The minister appearing is the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services. I declare the proposed payment open for examination. I call on the minister to make an opening statement if he so wishes and to introduce his advisers.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I am supported today by the Department for Correctional Services Chief Executive, Mr David Brown, to my right, and senior departmental officers, Mr Chris Sexton, Executive Director, People and Business Services; Ms Megan Deer, Manager, Executive Services; and Ms Sofia Borrillo, Executive Services Officer. I thank them for all the work they have undertaken in supporting me today in the preparation of the budget, as well as, of course, preparing for estimates.

DCS staff provide an essential service to the people of South Australia. They perform their work in complex and high-risk settings. The environments in which they work are of critical importance. I am pleased to confirm the government has committed $29.99 million across the forward estimates to perform these critical works so necessary for our workforce and our prisoner population at high-security units at Port Augusta Prison. The upgrades to Bluebush and Greenbush units will work to bolster safety and security at the site.

I also want to reflect on the successes of the department's ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of reoffending and, ultimately, the contribution this makes to a safer community. In 2016, 10by20 was a goal set by the then Labor government and the efforts of DCS staff and our community partners have resulted in DCS not only meeting the 10by20 target but exceeding it.

I am also very proud to add that on 23 November this year, the 2022-23 budget year, at the DCS partners' forum, I officially launched the new government strategy to reduce reoffending 20 per cent by 2026. Through 20by26, the government will continue to invest in innovative and effective ways to drive down rates of reoffending and enhance community-based reintegration responses.

One investment this budget specifically makes, backing in 20by26, is the $6.29 million allocated across forward estimates for Work Ready, Release Ready Plus. This will build on the successes of the Work Ready, Release Ready pilot by increasing access to the program for more participants. Work Ready, Release Ready was a key initiative of 10by20. It is an employment-focused rehabilitation program that supports people in prison to transition to paid employment in the community. It is provided both in prison and post-release for individuals at medium to high risk of reoffending.

Work Ready, Release Ready is currently delivered through a contract with Workskil Australia and the data I have been provided reflects that as early as this year Work Ready, Release Ready recorded 787 individual participants having engaged in the employment phase of the program, with an amazing 425 gaining employment. Work Ready, Release Ready Plus and all the 20by26 initiatives will be important in the next steps to build on the success of 10by20. I look forward to updating the community on the successes as they come through.

In addition to 20by26, another key strategic focus for DCS and me as minister and, frankly, the entire government is Closing the Gap. I could not be prouder this year of our government—the Malinauskas government—delivering on our commitment to establish the First Nations Voice to the South Australian parliament. Of course, reforms such as the Voice will not be successful if we do not also work to significantly close the gap and improve these Closing the Gap statistics. This includes the critical issue of Aboriginal over-representation in our justice system.

As part of the budget I am very pleased to confirm that $11.18 million has been allocated to our department, DCS, across the forward estimates for Yalakiana Tappa, an Aboriginal community led initiative to reduce the rates of Aboriginal incarceration. This program will include a community support program, a cultural reintegration, tenancy and rehabilitation support program to assist incarcerated Aboriginal South Australians in applying for bail, successfully complying with bail conditions and addressing treatment needs.

Further, Yalakiana Tappa will include an accommodation and support program. This will be a 12-week supported housing, tenancy and rehabilitation program for Aboriginal people without access to culturally safe accommodation. Additionally, the cultural residential drug and alcohol treatment facility will be a 12-week residential therapeutic community program for Aboriginal people needing intensive drug and alcohol treatment to support successful compliance with bail conditions.

A further Closing the Gap initiative from this budget is $4.54 million allocated across the forward estimates to secure and fit out a new community corrections centre in the home of your electorate, sir, Port Augusta. The new premises will be able to better provide for culturally appropriate spaces to support offenders and include new secure interview rooms for staff to use with high-risk offenders. The site will also look to have its own dedicated facility for urinalysis.

DCS is also working closely with its counterpart agencies to deliver on all of our government's commitments to not only reduce the rate of Aboriginal people in custody but to also improve all opportunities and services available to Aboriginal South Australians.

Today, I also highlight a completed Malinauskas government election commitment shared between the Department for Correctional Services and the Department for Transport, which was to increase the cleaning schedule for major arterial roads and maintenance of town entrances in southern areas. This was facilitated through the DCS community services program Repay SA. Litter collection for the following locations, fence to fence, has now been arranged by Repay SA, including Main South Road from Robinson Road, Seaford Heights, to Sellicks Beach, and Victor Harbor Road from Robinson Road, Seaford Heights, to Old Willunga Hill Road, Willunga. Both projects commenced in early June 2022 and all reports are that they are going exceptionally well.

The final area of success I wish to quickly highlight before I close is the department's workforce planning efforts. In the last 12 months, DCS has recruited over 150 new frontline staff, and further trainee correctional officer schools commenced on 5 June 2023 and 26 June 2023. These two TCO schools, on 5 June and 26 June, include 16 and 34 trainee correctional officers, respectively.

It is always great to see these TCOs graduating and new specialist highly skilled frontline DCS employees hitting the turf. They demonstrate the exceptional work DCS undertake, and I thank DCS and all of their staff, both custodial and non-custodial, for the efforts they undertake every single day.

The CHAIR: Thank you, minister. Any opening statement, member for Flinders?

Mr TELFER: Only a very brief one, Chair. Can I thank the DCS staff for being here and also recognise and reflect the minister's words that it is a challenging workplace and it is a challenging role that our community has tasked this department with and the people who work within it. Once again, I give my utmost respect to the department staff who work in often challenging, potentially personally dangerous times and in a workplace that is uncertain.

I look forward to unpacking a little bit about the detail within the budget, the existing projects, new projects and some of the dynamics within the budget lines themselves. Perhaps I will put the omnibus questions at this point rather than try to make sure I have enough time to finish them at the end.

1. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, how many executive appointments have been made since 1 July 2022 and what is the annual salary and total employment cost for each position?

2. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, how many executive positions have been abolished since 1 July 2022 and what was the annual salary and total employment cost for each position?

3. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, what has been the total cost of executive position terminations since 1 July 2022?

4. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, will the minister provide a breakdown of expenditure on consultants and contractors with a total estimated cost above $10,000 engaged since 1 July 2022, listing the name of the consultant, contractor or service supplier, the method of appointment, the reason for the engagement and the estimated total cost of the work?

5. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, will the minister provide an estimate of the total cost to be incurred in 2023-24 for consultants and contractors and, for each case in which a consultant or contractor has already been engaged at a total estimated cost above $10,000, the name of the consultant or contractor, the method of appointment, the reason for the engagement and the total estimated cost?

6. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, will the minister advise whether it met the 1.7 per cent efficiency dividend for 2022-23 to which the government committed and, if so, how was the saving achieved?

7. For each department or agency reporting to the minister, how many surplus employees are there in June 2023, and for each surplus employee what is the title or classification of the position and the total annual employment cost?

8. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, what is the number of executive staff to be cut to meet the government's commitment to reduce spending on the employment of executive staff and, for each position to be cut, its classification, total remuneration cost and the date by which the position will be cut?

9. For each department and agency reporting to the minister:

What savings targets have been set for 2023-24 and each year of the forward estimates; and

What is the estimated FTE impact of these measures?

10. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, will the minister advise what share it is receiving of the $1.5 billion the government proposes to use over four years of uncommitted capital reserves held in the budget at the time it took office and the purpose for which this funding is being used in each case?

11. For each department and agency reporting to the minister:

What was the actual FTE count at June 2023 and what is the projected actual FTE count for the end of each year of the forward estimates;

What is the budgeted total employment cost for each year of the forward estimates; and

How many targeted voluntary separation packages are estimated to be required to meet budget targets over the forward estimates and what is their estimated cost?

12. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, how much is budgeted to be spent on goods and services for 2023-24 and for each year of the forward estimates?

13. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, how many FTEs are budgeted to provide communication and promotion activities in 2023-24 and each year of the forward estimates and what is their estimated employment cost?

14. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, what is the total budgeted cost of government-paid advertising, including campaigns, across all mediums in 2023-24?

15. For each department and agency reporting to the minister, please provide for each individual investing expenditure project administered, the name, total estimated expenditure, actual expenditure incurred to June 2023 and budgeted expenditure for 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26?

16. For each grant program or fund the minister is responsible for, please provide the following information for the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 financial years:

Name of the program or fund;

The purpose of the program or fund;

Budgeted payments into the program or fund;

Budgeted expenditure from the program or fund; and

Details, including the value and beneficiary, or any commitments already made to be funded from the program or fund.

17. For each department and agency reporting to the minister:

Is the agency confident that you will meet your expenditure targets in 2023-24;

Have any budget decisions been made between the delivery of the budget on 15 June 2023 and today that might impact on the numbers presented in the budget papers which we are examining today; and

Are you expecting any reallocations across your agency's budget lines during 2023-24, if so, what would be the nature of this reallocation?

18. For each department and agency reporting to the minister:

What South Australian businesses will be used in procurement for your agency in 2023-24;

What percentage of total procurement spend for your agency does this represent; and

How does this compare to last year?

19. What protocols and monitoring systems has the department implemented to ensure that the productivity, efficiency and quality of service delivery is maintained while employees work from home?

20. What percentage of your department's budget has been allocated for the management of remote work infrastructure, including digital tools, cybersecurity and support services, and how does this compare with previous years?

21. How many procurements have been undertaken by the department this FY, how many have been awarded to interstate businesses, and how many of those were signed off by the chief executive?

22. How many contractor invoices were paid by the department directly this FY? How many and what percentage were paid within 15 days, and how many and what percentage were paid outside of 15 days?

23. How many and what percentage of staff who undertake procurement activities have undertaken training on participation policies and local industry participants this FY?

Thank you for your patience, everyone. Can I start with Budget Paper 4, Volume 1, page 108, and we will be dwelling on this area, I think, for the majority of the hour. The FTE count in 2021-22 is 1,926.5. We see there is a 2022-23 estimated result of 2,039.6. How can you explain the increase? What is that based around?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that, around the member's question from 2021-22 through 2022-23 estimated but also into 2023-24, there has been a reduction and an offset of FTE, both in recruitment and across projects. I can advise that, from 2021-22 through 2022-23, there was a reduction of 56.4 FTE. I am happy to provide advice to the member that that was 43.8 FTE from the iSAFE project, which was a matter of cycle; 11 FTE relating to the completion of the commissioning of the Yatala Labour Prison 270-bed expansion; one FTE reduction for the cross-borders reintegration program; and 0.6 for budget savings measures.

I can further advise that this has been offset by an additional 37.3 FTE: 31.3 of those FTE for the ongoing operation of the Yatala Labour Prison expansion; four FTE for the Yalakiana Tappa program; and two FTE for Work Ready, Release Ready. I can also advise that across the forward estimates, the increase of 113.1 FTE compared with the 2022-23 estimated results relate to 96.6 FTE for the ongoing operations and set-up costs for the 270-bed Yatala expansion; 16 FTE for the iSAFE project, which was a reclassification from investing into operating; and 9 FTE for MPY cross-borders family violence program funding. That was further offset by a decrease of 13.2 FTE due to budget savings measures.

Mr TELFER: I followed that eventually. You answered the second part first and the first part second.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I like to help you with everything.

Mr TELFER: So the increase from 2021-22 to 2022-23 was around those numbers that you quoted—the 113.1—the majority of which were the operations for Yatala, and then the reduction of the 20 is the sum between the reduction of 57 and the increase of 37, the different aspects?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes, that is largely correct.

Mr TELFER: I note, on page 109, the program net costs of services summary, ever increasing each financial year. Can you give an explanation as to what these increases have included? The difference between the community-based services 2022-23 estimated result compared with the 2023-24 budget of some 10 per cent more than that for the rehabilitation and recreation custodial services, up by $14 million. I will not work out that percentage there, but can you give me an insight into the reasons behind the significant increase in program net costs?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Sure. That is quite a lot of information, that question. I am happy to take top to bottom, if we can. I can advise that the custodial services is a component of headcount but also a substantial increase from 2022-23 to 2023-24, which is almost exclusively as a result of the onlining of the increased capacity at Yatala Labour Prison of 270 beds.

The Community-Based Services and Rehabilitation and Reparation programs are largely influenced by two factors. One is from community-based services, the number of individuals at any time who are on community-based orders. That could be electronic monitoring, intensive bail supervision or parolees who are on various tiers of support. Across both rehabilitation programs—programs Nos 1 and 3—is the net increase of services, thanks to the budget measures included in the 2023-24 state budget handed down by the Treasurer recently, and that is a net increase of $52.027 million and six FTE specifically to these measures.

The measures of this $52.027 million, as inquired by the member, can be broken down into $4.58 million across forward estimates to secure and fit out the new community corrections centre in Port Augusta; $29.999 million across forward estimates to perform critical upgrade work at the two high-security units at Port Augusta Prison, being Bluebush and Greenbush; $6.299 million across forward estimates for Work Ready, Release Ready Plus; and $11.181 million across forward estimates for Yalakiana Tappa, our new initiative to drive down Aboriginal incarceration.

Mr TELFER: For clarification, you talked about the significant increase in custodial services—

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: The commissioning of the Yatala Labour Prison—

Mr TELFER: You talked about the increase in the workforce, being that significant jump from 2021-22 to 2022-23. Is the cost for the transition into the 2023-24 budget just because of the lag—as the officers come in at a period of time, it is only a short period of time?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: It is a full year cost coming in but also recognising that the recruitment efforts have been ongoing and that the commissioning and the opening, as you would be aware—we were pleased to welcome you and the former minister to celebrate the opening with us—will be in the 2023-24 financial year.

Mr TELFER: Regarding the significant increase in the FTEs that we saw from 2021-22 to 2022-23, which you talked about because of that but that had not come in, they are employed but the expansion has not been commissioned yet?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: More specifically, the explanation to your question regarding the additional FTE is yes, that is a portion of it. The employment of the new correctional officers ready for the commissioning has been an ongoing piece of work. Much of that employment has been taking place periodically over the last 12 months. In addition to that, since coming to office there has been a strong focus by our government to recruit new COs and, as you have identified, that is also playing out throughout the Budget Statement regarding the FTE as well as the operational costs.

Mr TELFER: Continuing on with what you have started to unpack in your opening statement and comments since about the works that are happening up at Port Augusta with the community corrections facility, it speaks about a new community corrections centre. Is that within existing DCS premises, or is that external to—

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I might just try to clarify for the member's interest. You may be meaning it is in relation to the current Port Augusta Prison?

Mr TELFER: As in the footprint.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No, absolutely not. There is a community corrections centre in Port Augusta which is very separate from the custodial settings. It is of an era and it has been subject to the impacts of wind and rain over the last 12 or 18 months more than we could have planned for, so this is an investment in a new fit-for-purpose facility.

Mr TELFER: On the same footprint as the existing?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No. It will be a new site. I am advised that the current site is not fit for purpose.

Mr TELFER: So the new facility will be on a different footprint and the old facility will continue to operate until the new facility is ready to be commissioned?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes, I understand that is correct. It is not a site location that is owned by DCS or the government, so it is a leasing arrangement.

Mr TELFER: Is the new arrangement going to be one which is owned and managed by the government and DCS?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No. The preliminary work has very much only just begun. Obviously, there has been an announcement and commitment made in the budget, so in fact consultation with local community leaders such as the member for Giles has not even yet taken place. As far as I can advise today, it is very unlikely to be a new building construct, although it is not off the table. The intention of the planning from DCS regarding the budget and the forward planning is very much on the basis of a fit-out of an existing facility to make it fit for purpose, but particularly a facility that is culturally appropriate and provides a series of opportunities for the community corrections staff and DCS that the current site simply cannot because of its antiquated nature.

Mr TELFER: Is the work being done on a similar sort of vicinity within the CBD?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No. There are a number of community corrections facility sites across the CBD and other regional centres.

Mr TELFER: Sorry, I am still talking about Port Augusta.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Sorry.

Mr TELFER: Is the work that has been done to look at location within the CBD of Port Augusta?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Sorry, yes, it is within Port Augusta. That is correct. I have never heard Port Augusta referred to as a CBD before.

Mr TELFER: It is very much segmented.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: It is in the footprint that the member is referring to.

Mr TELFER: Continuing on and looking at the new projects and the upgrades to the Port Augusta Prison, and the work on the Bluebush and Greenbush which you speak about, is this purely around upgrading existing? It is not about increasing capacity?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No, primarily it is not about increasing capacity. It is providing for two very distinct goals: one is for a better more contemporary working environment for the staff who work in Port Augusta Prison or specifically for those working in Bluebush and Greenbush; and, additionally, providing for a more appropriate location and built environment to facilitate rehabilitation and other education programs.

I can advise that the accommodation blocks—Bluebush and Greenbush—that the member questions were built in 1969. They accommodate 156 prisoners across 87 cells and it is these 87 cells which are subject to the upgrade. These accommodation blocks have significantly aged. No major works have been completed since the construction in 1969, save for a ground floor refurb of Greenbush in 2018.

I can advise the member that the proposed works will be in three stages. Stage 1 will be the ground floor of Bluebush: its first floor and its yard. The second stage will be the main yard and stage 3 will be the Greenbush first floor. The upgrades aim to transform the existing aged accommodation blocks into a fit-for-purpose site, a culturally inclusive, safe environment that increases the health and wellbeing of incarcerated men. The project proposal also contributes to the department's strategic plan 2022-26 by improving the safety and wellbeing of staff and prisoners whilst also providing greater opportunities to promote prisoner rehabilitation.

Mr TELFER: Are the three stages you talk about over the next three years—stage 1 in 2023-24, stage 2 in 2024-25, etc.? Do you envision it to be as linear as that?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: If only. No, the stages are not confined to financial years. It may be that there will be some crossover, and I think the final time line of this has not yet been—

Mr TELFER: What about as far as budget goes? You could split $30 million three ways pretty easily.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: We could split $30 million three ways, but stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3 are not all of equal capital comparability. I can advise that imminently, I think sometime in August subject to the sitting schedule of the Public Works Committee, there will be a matter-of-course submission to the Public Works Committee. Of course, within that there will be a staged breakdown of the estimated capital costs as well as, as much as we can endeavour, a time line on the delivery of stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3.

Mr TELFER: Just to unpack a little bit more, you talked about the work on the 87 cells. There is reference to staff facilities as well. Are they encapsulated within those stages for Bluebush and Greenbush? Are they within that footprint, or are they separate?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise they are within that. To provide a bit more advice to the member regarding the breakdown of some of the works planned within those stages, Bluebush and Saltbush do not have shower facilities in cell. There is no natural lighting and very poor ventilation. The upgrades will include a redesign of the units to include showers in cells, to improve the natural light and ventilation where possible and to provide safer and improved visibility through better planning for officer posts, which goes directly to the member's question regarding staff amenities and facilities. It will improve amenities for both staff and prisoners and provide a new flexible multipurpose yard for Bluebush and Greenbush.

Mr TELFER: Continuing down the page, under existing projects, there is the Adelaide Remand Centre critical security upgrade. Has this project been completed, and was it on budget?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes, it has been.

Mr TELFER: On budget?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes.

Mr TELFER: Likewise, the Women's Prison upgrade, noting that there was an event to recognise that only a week or two ago: completed and on budget?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes, it has been completed, and yes, within frame.

Mr TELFER: What is 'within frame'?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: The analog-to-digital project is still being undertaken, and also there is, for example, as the member will have seen—sorry, I am not sure if you were there for this one. My apologies. There is a small children's playground in the vicinity of the visitor centre, a very important part of improving and, I think, humanising the interaction that children have. Often, we lose sight of the fact that children of incarcerated individuals are themselves victims. There is a fence to be constructed around that play equipment, which is yet to be completed but does not affect the commissioning of the area.

Mr TELFER: The audiovisual link upgrade is estimated to be completed in the quarter just gone—completed on time, on budget?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Completed and on budget.

Mr TELFER: Brilliant, like the work DCS is doing. The Cadell Training Centre dairy, can you see that as something ongoing? It has another $1.5 million in 2023-24, Is this on track to be completed by the end of next calendar year?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise specifically in relation to the forward works on this that in late 2020 the department committed internal funds to deliver this dairy. In August 2021, architects were engaged through the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. The new dairy, which is quite a revolutionary step forward from very much the dark ages of the current dairy into an incredible new proposed build, will also be a significant development for the prison and will work to affirm its role and function in the dairy industry, and the expansion will also provide for increased employment and training opportunities that will greatly assist prisoners on their release to gain employment.

I can advise that, when appearing before the Public Works Committee on 4 July 2022, the pre-tendered estimate provided by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport was $8.7 million. In July 2022, the short-listed requests for tender through the EOI were within 5 per cent cost variance. In October 2022, a contract was awarded to Mossop Construction and Interiors, a total project cost of $12.2 million, inclusive of all construction and professional fees, which were rounded out. No additional funding for the operating costs of the redeveloped dairy will be requested or required as a result of the commissioning. Work is progressing, but I have been advised that it is likely that there will be some carryovers due to the timing of this.

Mr TELFER: Carryovers on that $4.2 million from the 2022-23; is that what you mean?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes.

Mr TELFER: Any idea—has the vast majority of that $4.2 million been expended or is it still—

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I am advised that the vast majority has been expended, yes.

Mr TELFER: The $1.5 million in the 2023-24 budget, is that the final amount that will be needed to complete this project, or is there more in the forwards 2024-25?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that in the forward estimates there is an allocation of $4.8 million in 2024-25.

Mr TELFER: The line on mobile phone detection, looking at $776,000 in 2022-23 with no more budget continuing on, was this project completed? Have all the installations been put in place? Is it on budget and completed?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that the project began as a trial and the trial has resulted in successful technology testing and technology appraisal, and DCS has begun implementing and trialling further elements of the project. I am further advised that as the project matures DCS will be able to report on the efficacy of these elements in targeting mobile phones in prisons and additional scope.

Mr TELFER: The continuing trial, obviously there is no budget allocation towards it?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No, it is rolling out the trial as lessons learned from the allocation in previous budget years.

Mr TELFER: Will there be a report at some stage about the efficacy of the mobile phone detection process for the minister to be considering a further rollout of comparable technology?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I am rightfully advised by Mr Brown that, whilst the short answer is yes, the publicly available information that would be provided on this is limited due to the operational nature of it. Of course, the member would appreciate that this is a highly operational tactic, to disrupt this type of contraband, so we would not want to be saying anything publicly that would compromise the ability to implement and utilise the rollout.

Mr TELFER: The last line there, on 109, is the modernisation of the roster management, with a $700,000 budget line from the previous financial year. Has this process been completed? What learnings have been gained through that modernisation project, and has this resulted in significant roster management changes for the department?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I am happy to provide some time lines. I might ask Chris to provide some further advice to the member regarding lessons learnt, but I am advised that the full implementation will be by late calendar year 2023. Perhaps Chris can provide some additional information.

Mr SEXTON: Yes, certainly the procurement process has been finalised and we are now working with the vendor on the implementation across all of our sites. We will have a pilot at one site and then implement it at all sites by December 2023. From that, we consider that there will be—certainly, learnings will come from that, and efficiencies will come from that also, which we will document as part of that implementation process and review process.

Mr TELFER: Just flicking over to page 110, top line, the transition from analog to digital, noting that there is an asterisk with a bit of commentary. The transition of electronic security systems from analog to digital was purely focused on the Yatala Labour Prison and the Adelaide Women's Prison, it was not envisaged that that allocation would try to deliver results in any of the other facilities?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that the majority of the expenditure has been recognised, as foreshadowed by the member, against the Adelaide Women's Prison for beds, reception and visit centre, as well as the Yatala Labour Prison with 270 beds and infrastructure upgrade projects, therefore the budget has been reallocated to those projects. Whilst the initial funding of this was approved in 2018-19, the aim of the project is to facilitate the transition of existing analog electronic security systems to digital at the Northfield site, being obviously Yatala Labour Prison and Adelaide Women's Prison, and the Adelaide Pre-release Centre.

The majority of the existing analog infrastructure has reached and surpassed its useful estimate: for example, the security management system and intercom system. An additional budget of $4.5 million was added to this project in the 2020-21 budget process. After the final costings were received for the transition, an additional budget of $9.1 million was approved in the 2021-22 budget process, and this consisted of $1.5 million specifically at Adelaide Women's Prison and $7.6 million specifically for Yatala Labour Prison. An additional budget of $10.6 million for this project was added in the 2021-22 budget process, being $7.6 million for the Yatala Labour Prison and $3 million for the Adelaide Women's Prison.

Mr TELFER: Have other facilities transitioned from analog to digital? Is there a time frame on that?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that the reason it has been contained to these sites is that all other sites have transitioned.

Mr TELFER: All the other sites have? Regarding the budget line for the Yatala Labour Prison expansion, was that project on budget?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes.

Mr TELFER: Between the two, with the transition from analog to digital, was the amount that was transitioned—or perhaps it is $7.4 million for the transition from analog to digital at those two sites you talked about—embedded already within the budget for the Yatala Labour Prison and thus is it a saving from the original project cost by reallocating the funding from the transition from analog to digital from that line?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that, whilst it was initially allocated and approved by Treasury as two separate projects, it was then transitioned to a central project, but there was no additional cost involved in that. So there were two distinct projects, they merged and there it was a net sum of both.

Mr TELFER: So in the original budget framework there was not an allocation to transition from analog to digital within that Yatala budget line originally?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No. I can advise that the original scope of the project, as contained within the then budget, did not include the transition project.

Mr TELFER: Flicking to page 111, looking at the Work Ready, Release Ready program, what did the evaluation reveal and how are you measuring the outcomes? Also, is this program offered to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that the Work Ready, Release Ready program was a key initiative of 10by20. It is an employment-focused rehabilitation program that supports people in prison to transition to paid employment in the community. It is provided both in prison and post-release for individuals at medium to high security at a high risk of reoffending. The program operates on a self-referral basis and internal stakeholder referral and targets those individuals who are motivated and willing to work.

Participants are supported in custody by a mentor, who works with them on an individual basis to develop and implement a training and employment plan. Participants engage in education and prison-based vocational training programs and may gain work experience through the Prison Industries program. The mentors work with the participant for up to 18 months post-release to support them to achieve their employment goals in the community.

Mr TELFER: How are you measuring those outcomes?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can go to the aims. The aims of Work Ready, Release Ready, which of course we use to measure success, are to support participants to build job skills pre-release through education, vocational training and employment readiness training; help participants gain financial security, purpose and social connection as a result of returning to work; mitigate against the likelihood of breaches of community-based orders; and assist participants to find and maintain employment post-release.

Work Ready, Release Ready, which, as I previously advised, are the lead on this, have been successful since 2018. So far, there have been over 1,600 participants inducted into the three-phase journey of the program. In respect of key metrics, as the member inquired, to February 2023, Work Ready, Release Ready recorded 787 individual participants having engaged in the employment phase of Work Ready, Release Ready and 425 of those having gained employment, which is 54 per cent of participants who have engaged in the employment phase so far.

Mr TELFER: Did the program have a target at its inception?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can provide some further advice on the KPIs embedded within that.

Mr TELFER: I would appreciate that just to get—

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: In respect of the member's question regarding cohorts of prisoners, particularly around Aboriginality, the program is currently run at Port Augusta Prison, Adelaide Women's Prison, Adelaide Pre-release Centre, Cadell Training Centre and Mobilong Prison. That has been open to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal prisoners.

New initiatives within the program, though, have been the development of the Road to Redemption program—this is a specific program only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples delivered by both Workskil but also in collaboration with Carey Training, a very well respected ACCO—and the Out2Work program, which is open to all participants, which is a Workskil development program for prisoners about to be released. That is also in conjunction with the Local Jobs Program and Carey.

Mr TELFER: What are the current statistics around recidivism, and how do they compare with the last five years?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I can advise that DCS currently has, at the end of 2022, the lowest rate of recidivism in the nation, with a rate of 39.3 per cent, a rate that is demonstrably outperforming other jurisdictions. That is a rate of recidivism which has dramatically improved since the formulation of our policy of 10by20, which was 2016, so out of the five years that the member has inquired about. I can provide some further detail on notice, potentially, as to how 10by20 reductions in recidivism were tracked over those five years.

Mr TELFER: Yes, that measure point would be interesting.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes. But the very proud take-out for South Australia is that the rate of recidivism has dramatically dropped in that five years and that the 20by26 initiative is very firmly about not putting the cue in the rack but around an ongoing commitment to reducing reoffending.

That downward pressure on reoffending and reducing recidivism within the 20by26 target has very firm target groups and particular focus areas of Closing the Gap, the remand to bail cohort, alternatives to custody and community reintegration, education, training and employment and targeted programs for other specific cohorts. I have gone through in some detail some of those new initiatives contained within this budget which complement the 20by26 policy announcement.

Mr TELFER: Just flicking to page 115, the activity indicators, are the figures for the percentage of prisoner population on remand comparable with other jurisdictions? How does South Australia sit?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I am advised that, quite the opposite of our 10by20 figures, where we are leading the nation, our remand population is amongst the highest in the country. I cannot provide advice to the member regarding other jurisdictions other than to say South Australia is at the high point.

Mr TELFER: What is considered to be the reason?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: It is a very good question. There are a number of factors, many of which are across multiple portfolio areas. In respect of the key factors, it is often the case that remandees are not able to successfully obtain bail, and those reasons for not being able to successfully obtain bail will often relate to housing—secure housing, appropriate housing. It is being able to access not just a home or a house but the appropriate housing for the conditions contained within those bail conditions.

It is also the case that a high portion of remandees within our DCS system are remanded on breach of bail, again attaining a higher portion. There may be some, and I am sorry I have not seen or been advised of any questions of the Attorney, but there are also court flows that are impacting this, but I could not, with any assurity, give you some advice outside of the Attorney.

Mr TELFER: So with this highest in the country aspect, how are these prisoners on remand being accommodated? They are obviously not all in the Adelaide Remand Centre?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No. For many years—decades it is safe to say—the remand population has been dispersed across all custodial facilities.

Mr TELFER: Noting the recent incident at Yatala that has been in the media, and I am not going to talk about the specifics of the case itself, is there a time frame expected for the investigation, when it is going to be completed?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Obviously, I will be as careful as I can—

Mr TELFER: Yes, I am trying to be cautious as well.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: —as this matter is before the courts. It is a very tragic event, one which, thankfully, we have not seen in South Australia for many years, unlike the rest of the country where we have seen 24 in the last 10, and the number of investigations in this are important. There is, of course, the police investigation, which is occurring.

Mr TELFER: I am talking about the DCS investigation.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: Yes, but the police investigation has primacy, and that is very important because whilst charges have been laid the investigation to bring justice is paramount and that will have primacy over the other two investigations that I can foreshadow. The second investigation, which is mandated and will occur, is a coronial investigation by the fact that this was a death in custody. That is the second priority.

As for the internal investigation, that is currently occurring but the focus of that at this juncture is to support the police in their criminal investigation. If I can take some advice from Mr Brown. Of course the police investigation, police are charged under the act to undertake the preliminary work for the Coroner as well, so all of those investigations are occurring. I cannot foreshadow time frames on the police investigation or the Coroner's investigation, but when the criminal matter—without prejudicing the proceedings—may proceed further I will be in a better position to provide any advice that I can.

Mr TELFER: The internal investigation, how many investigators have been tasked with conducting that?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: There is a lead and then additional supports that have been provided to that lead, and of course any department-wide support that is required. The advice is there will not be a silo in this regard.

Mr TELFER: Is that number comparable to other similar investigations? The one that comes to my mind is the Wayne Fella Morrison investigation. As far as numbers of investigators or the process involved, is that comparable?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I am advised that it is largely consistent. They tend to have one lead supported by the manager and then supported by the department.

Mr TELFER: And DCS staff have all been directed to fully cooperate with the investigation?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: I am advised that the current interviews and evidence gathering component of the investigation is still very much live with South Australia Police, so I am not in a position to comment regarding those interviews but, of course, at the appropriate juncture there will be the internal interviews, etc., that have happened. Whilst there is a primacy of the police investigation, there was and continues to be an immediate response from DCS as well.

Mr TELFER: Have any operational changes been made despite the investigation still being underway? Have any immediate operational changes been made in light of the incident?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: No. I am advised no, and it may be that I would be in a better position to comment on why, but I would be reluctant to do so just because of the nature of the criminal proceedings taking place.

Mr TELFER: I am interested in page—

The CHAIR: Last question.

Mr TELFER: Time has gone quickly.

The CHAIR: Time flies.

Mr TELFER: Without being able to unpack it too much, the prisoner employment that is referred to at page 112, is this employment within facility or post-release? What is that referring to?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: That just refers to employment within a custodial setting, so prisoner employment internally.

Mr TELFER: Do we have an insight into whether those programs are leading to better outcomes upon release for those who are involved in that work within the facility as opposed to those who are not?

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS: It is a very good question. The short answer is yes. Every program, every intervention that is made within a custodial setting is one of value, and it can be as early as the first assessment that is made when someone comes into custody, namely, whether they can read or write—literacy is a huge issue—to the attainment of skills all the way through the custodial settings, because government, DCS, firmly believe in the dignity of work and the attainment of work is necessarily through skills and translatability and adaptability post-release.

The CHAIR: Thank you, minister. The allotted time having expired, I declare the examination of the portfolio of the Department for Correctional Services completed. The examination of proposed payments for the Department for Correctional Services are now complete. I would like to thank the correctional services staff for the work that you do day to day, but also for the work that you have to do in the lead-up to estimates, so thank you for that.

Sitting suspended from 12:17 to 13:15.


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