Prison staff, people in custody and community members are being invited to have their say on Victoria’s prison system culture as part of an independent review.
Announced by Minister for Corrections, Natalie Hutchins, the Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System was commissioned by the Department of Justice and Community Safety and is led by former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Kristen Hilton.
“The Review is seeking ways to create a safer, more inclusive workplace culture for custodial staff and provide them with appropriate training, supervision and support to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Ms Hutchins said.
“It will focus on upholding the rights of prisoners, ensuring prisoners are treated fairly, providing support for individual needs, and meeting the cultural safety needs of Aboriginal prisoners,” she said.
“Current staff and recent former staff (within the last five years) can share their experiences working in the custodial system and provide suggestions for change.”
Ms Hutchins also encouraged people in custody, those who had previously been incarcerated and their families to make submissions to the Review to help identify ways to create a safer and more humane corrections system.
The Minister said there were several ways for people to contribute to the Review, through submissions, interviews, surveys and focus groups, “which will be treated confidentially”.
Ms Hutchins said a panel of independent expert advisers was heading the Review, including former Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police, Tim Cartwright; former Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission, Greg Smith; and Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Jill Gallagher.
“Aboriginal people, including staff, people in custody, family members and advocates, are also strongly encouraged to participate in the Review,” she said.
Ms Hutchins said submissions from custodial staff, people in custody and other individuals closed on 31 January and submissions from organisations closed on 29 November.
Further information on how to have a say can be accessed at this PS News link.
