- Date:
- 22 Mar 2023
In 2021, the Minister for Corrections at the time, formed an Expert Panel to conduct a Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System (the Review).
The Expert Panel had three independent expert advisors:
- Tim Cartwright
Former Assistant Commissioner Victoria Police - Jill Gallagher AO
CEO Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation - Greg Smith AM
Former Deputy President, Fair Work Commission
About the Review
The Review examined the culture, experiences, systems, and processes within Victoria's public and private prisons and correctional centres.
The Review:
- drew on research and data
- listened to people who have experience in the corrections system
- provided recommendations.
The recommendations aim to make a safer corrections system focused on:
- respect
- equality
- transparency
- and support.
The Review recognised the continued over-representation of Aboriginal people in custody. It looked carefully at Aboriginal cultural safety and self-determination.
Read the Review's report
The Review delivered its report Safer Prisons, Safer People, Safer Communities (the Report) to the Minister for Corrections on 1 December 2022.
Victorian Government response
On 24 March 2024, the Victorian Government released the Report and its response.
The Review’s recommendations represent the most significant and wide-ranging changes to the corrections system in decades.
The recommendations will have implications on:
- policy
- funding
- legal matters
- cultural aspects, and
- operations.
We must consider these implications carefully as they will be the subject of our future decisions.
We will listen to and work closely with those who are impacted on a day-to-day basis, to ensure that the adult custodial corrections system is:
- safer
- more modern, and
- better-supported.
The Report is crucial for guiding the transformation of our corrections system over the next decade. We will also continue seeking advice from stakeholders and other reports and inquiries already in progress.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to the Expert Panel and secretariat for their comprehensive report.
We also thank the 1700 people who contributed to the review, including staff and those in custody.
Read the full Victorian Government response
Introduction
Victoria’s custodial correctional system plays an essential role in the Victorian criminal justice system.
Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System
In 2021, the then Minister for Corrections established an Expert Panel to undertake the Review.
Stakeholders will inform planning and implementation
The Review’s recommendations constitute the most significant and wide-ranging reform to the corrections system in decades.
Better support to keep our workforce safe
The Government recognises that a confident, capable, well-supported workforce is the foundation of a corrections system that is safer for staff and people in custody.
Strengthening integrity arrangements
The Review identified integrity risks within Victoria’s custodial system related to the inappropriate use of force, risk of human rights breaches and behaviours such as obscuring body worn cameras.
Improving Aboriginal cultural safety
This year, the Department will review position descriptions, contracts and performance measures to incorporate principles of cultural safety tailored to any relevant responsibilities and services.
Enhancing health outcomes in custody
The Review recommended a public health model for the delivery and oversight of health services across the adult custodial corrections system.
Supporting people in our care
The Department will review the current legislative framework and engage with staff, people in custody and key stakeholders to consider opportunities to modernise it.
Conclusion
The Government recognises the importance of continuing to improve our Corrections system to keep Victorians safe.
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