JOINT STATEMENT

• Record $1.408 billion 2023-24 Queensland Corrective Services operating budget
• Stage two of the Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct allocated $341 million for completion of main construction.
• $20 million for pre-commencement design works, site investigations and other preliminary works for the future Townsville Correctional Precinct expansion

 Safe management of Queensland’s prison population, to protect the community and staff and programs to reduce recidivism, will be delivered through a record $1.408 billion 2023-24 Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) operational budget (exclusive of capital funding).

Stage two of the Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct, where more than 1,500 beds will be available when it opens in 2024, has been allocated $341 million capital funding for completion of main construction.

The modern, purpose-built centre will focus on health and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending, and support more than 800 good, secure jobs giving the local Lockyer Valley economy a boost.

A $20 million allocation will enable pre-commencement design works, site investigations and other preliminary works for the future Townsville Correctional Precinct expansion to manage the demands of a growing prison population.

A $10 million allocation will enable pre-commencement design works, site investigations and other preliminary works for the establishment of a new Wacol Precinct Enhanced Primary Health Care facility located at the Brisbane Correctional Centre to reduce the need to access community-based hospital and health facilities.

Installation of additional bunk beds in high security correctional centres across the state will also progress, with $1 million of a $8 million program committed in the 2023-24 budget.

Over the next four years, $46.3 million will be invested to support essential healthcare, including installing information technology infrastructure in correctional centres enhancing the provision of health care and psychological and disability support services around the state.

This includes responding to recommendations of the Queensland Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce report Hear her Voice to support the health and rehabilitation of women in custody.

$1 million to complete the refurbishment at Princess Alexandra Hospital Secure Unit.

Parole Board Queensland’s operations will be enhanced with $23.5 million over the next two years to ensure timely and community-safety focused consideration of parole matters.

The management of serious sex offenders will also be enhanced with an additional $2.2 million over the next two years used towards staffing and programs to keep the community safe.

The QCS 2023-24 budget also includes:

• $4.1 million towards upgrades to Woodford Correctional Centre’s intercom system to keep staff, as well as visitors and prisoners, safe and secure,
• $3 million towards plant and equipment at Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct–Stage Two, including for prison industries, and for video conferencing facilities to support enhanced virtual visits for prisoners’ families,
• $63.0 million towards infrastructure works and maintenance and replacement programs,
• $14.6 million towards other property, plant and equipment.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“It’s critical that our Corrections staff are given every support to undertake their difficult work.

“It’s a record budget for Queensland Corrective Services this year and it will deliver significant uplifts in capacity in the south-east of the state and also the north.”

Quotes attributable to Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan:

“It’s exciting to see the funding in the state budget that will support the completion of the new Correctional facility near Gatton, along with funding to support the expansion of the Townsville Correctional Precinct.

“Queensland Corrective Services is a frontline public safety agency, and the work its staff undertake on a daily basis is critical to supporting the safety of the community.”

Quotes attributable to QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM:

“The budget will progress key priorities to protect the community, rehabilitate prisoners and reduce recidivism.

“Completion of the Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct – Stage 2 near Gatton will be a defining point for QCS.

“It will be the largest correctional centre in Queensland, with 1500 new beds that will take the pressure off other centres, supported by another $1 million for additional bunk beds around the state.

“The new, modern prison will be pivotal in reducing reoffending, with facilities to drive behaviour change through mental health, alcohol and drug rehabilitation services within the precinct.

“This will allow us to build on our ongoing program of infrastructure and innovation that protects frontline staff and keeps prisoners, visitors and our communities safe.”