AMC expansion project savings to fund prison work industries initiative


Released 18/01/2016

Savings from the AMC’s Accommodation Expansion Project will be used to fund new infrastructure in the AMC to support and enhance detainee industries, Minister for Justice, Shane Rattenbury, has announced.

“I am really pleased to announce that the AMC Expansion project is on track to come in at more than $7m under budget and is expected to be completed several months ahead of schedule,” said Mr Rattenbury.
 
“Work has been progressing well on the project and, based on the current schedule, we should be ready to open the second facility well before its expected completion date of mid-2016.  

“The Government has taken the decision to reallocate the funds saved from the expansion project to develop work industries within the AMC that will help detainees to build work skills to support their rehabilitation and reintegration back into society.

“The first stage in the development of industries capacity will include the expansion of existing laundry facilities at the prison as well as the construction of a bakery facility.  The laundry in particular will serve two outcomes – firstly, to provide work opportunities for detainees and secondly, to respond to heightened demand caused by increased detainee numbers.

“A multi-purpose facility will be built adjacent to the AMC oval that will allow ACTCS to relocate existing services and provide a larger activity space for visitor events, pastoral care and recreational activities. 

“Combined, these changes will facilitate a better structured day for detainees at the Centre while improving the chances of gaining and retaining employment on release, addressing key concerns raised by the Auditor-General in 2015.

“Prison work industries have become a recognised rehabilitation tool that is utilised within many correctional facilities.  In 2014 I toured Long Bay jail in Sydney and was impressed by the comprehensive range of industries they have to offer detainees and heartened to hear of the positive impact that gaining skills and having better employment opportunities has had on detainees post-release.

“Prison industries not only give detainees the opportunity to work and gain skills and qualifications, it introduces a meaningful daily routine, provides teamwork opportunities, helps to address criminal behaviour and promotes more pro-social interactions.

“I think it is vital that we equip detainees with the skills they need to reintegrate back into our community, on a personal level to help individuals lead meaningful and successful lives, but on a broader level to both reduce our rates of recidivism and make our communities safer.

“I am really pleased that the effective and efficient management of the expansion project by both ACTCS and local company Construction Control Pty Ltd (under a Managing Contractor model) has resulted in savings that will allow us to undertake this new and exciting project for the AMC. 

“Not only will we be utilising savings from the project, but efficiencies will be achieved in the Industries Project through use of the existing accommodation expansion contract with Construction Control, who have established offices on site at the AMC.
 
“Overall, this first phase of the Industries Project will cost in the order of $9m.  This will be funded using the residual savings from the expansion project as well as off-sets and cash management within ACT Corrective Services and the Justice and Community Safety Directorate,” said Mr Rattenbury.

In 2014 the Government provided $54m to establish up to 142 additional beds at the AMC through construction of two new accommodation buildings.  The first of these buildings came on-line in September 2015 and construction of the second facility is planned to come on-line by mid-2016, well ahead of schedule.

- Statement ends -

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

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