An independent review into the culture of Victoria’s prison system has been commissioned to help drive a safer, more inclusive environment for all staff.
Minister for Corrections, Natalie Hutchins said the review would also ensure Victoria’s custodial corrections system promoted rehabilitation, reduced recidivism and catered to the needs of all prisoners to ensure it improved community safety.
“The review will look at workplace culture among and towards staff in public and private prisons,” Ms Hutchins said.
“It will identify opportunities for improvement and assess how effective departmental processes are in preventing and responding to behavioural and cultural challenges,” she said.
“Both staff and prisoners will be able to contribute to the review.”
Ms Hutchins said that with Aboriginal Victorians significantly overrepresented in prison, the review would also provide advice on how Aboriginal people could be better supported while in custody, in ways that were culturally appropriate and free from discrimination.
“Importantly, the review will build on initiatives already underway across the Department of Justice and Community Safety, including Corrections Victoria,” the Minister said.
She said a panel of three independent expert advisers had been appointed to the review, which would commence shortly.
Further information on the Review, can be accessed on Corrections Victoria’s website at this PS News link.
