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The Hon. MELINDA PAVEY: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Justice. Will the Minister consider making urgent representations to the Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister that New South Wales Corrective Services continue to provide gaol facilities for Australian Capital Territory prisoners? Has the Minister undertaken a cost-benefit analysis of the continued housing of Australian Capital Territory prisoners in New South Wales gaols as opposed to the construction of a new gaol on the doorstep of Jerrabomberra, as per the current plans of the Australian Capital Territory Government? What is the Minister doing to stop construction of this gaol?
The Hon. TONY KELLY: Construction of the gaol has already commenced. My understanding is that of the order of 145 prisoners from the Australian Capital Territory are presently housed in our gaols. Relocation of those prisoners will allow us additional capacity. I understand further that New South Wales presently has 488 vacancies, and this gives us the buffer zone we need. I do not consider that it will be a problem for New South Wales. Obviously, I would have liked to continue the present arrangement. I did put forward that suggestion, but the gaol is already under construction.