WELLINGTON CORRECTIONAL CENTRE
Page: 2445
The Hon. LYNDA VOLTZ: My question without notice is addressed to the Minister for Justice. What is the latest information about the new correctional centre at Wellington?
The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: On Thursday 13 September I had the pleasure of visiting Wellington to open the State's newest $125 million, 600-bed correctional centre. My colleague the Hon. Tony Kelly who did so much to secure this important project when he was the justice Minister joined me at the opening. The hardworking member for Dubbo, Dawn Fardell, also joined me. I want to acknowledge the support and collaboration of Wellington council and the people of Wellington. Without their support the centre may well have been built in another part of the State. It would have been nice if Opposition members had lent their support to the project instead of the attacks that have been continually levelled at it, in particular, by the former justice spokesman Mr Andrew Humpherson who indicated at various stages—
The Hon. John Della Bosca: What is he doing?
The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: I think he is a consultant for the people in charge of the nuclear reactor at Sutherland. Mr Humpherson asserted that the plans for Wellington had disappeared off the radar, that not a sod had been turned, and that it was a hoax. Of course, all that has been put to rest with the construction and the opening of this centre. I think Opposition members were well served by the decision that they made not to re-endorse him for the seat of Davidson.
The Hon. Michael Gallacher: That is terrible!
The Hon. Duncan Gay: That's a disgrace.
The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: What was a disgrace was the statement he made that the Government's commitment to Wellington was in doubt because he claimed that millions of dollars were being pulled from the project. I do not believe that these sorts of inaccuracies would have played well in his pursuit for re-endorsement for the seat of Davidson. But let me not be distracted. At the official opening I welcomed 60 new correctional centre officers and overseers. Over 55 per cent of staff at Wellington Correctional Centre are from the local area.
The Hon. Duncan Gay: He can't respond because he is not here.
The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: You were one of his few friends. I pay tribute to the hardworking correctional officers, both men and women, who displayed their training dedication to their new career. I am advised that currently there are 140 inmates at the centre and 100 staff employed. Correctional centres provide a major contribution to the economy of country and regional centres. When fully commissioned Wellington Correctional Centre will employ a total of 200 staff with an estimated $14 million a year in salaries and operational costs contributed back to the local economy.
During construction 70 per cent of the workers were local, the majority of materials used were local, and a former residential property has been converted to allow SHINE for Kids to provide support for the children of offenders. As honourable members will be aware, community safety is a highest priority. That is why security at the correctional centre includes 24-hour electronic surveillance and is amongst the most advanced that we have in Australia. Iris eye scanning has also been installed in the visitors' section for those visitors entering and leaving.
The rehabilitation of inmates is also very important. Offender programs and work opportunities reduce the risk of inmates reoffending. Since the first intake arrived at Wellington Correctional Centre inmates have been working in various industries, including the laundry, the print shop, food manufacture and horticulture. Offenders are also offered a range of programs and support, including alcohol and other drugs, anger management, responsible lifestyle, and sober driving. If honourable members want to know how well the Wellington Correctional Centre has been received they have only to look at the open days that were conducted in February and July this year when some 15,000 people took the opportunity to visit the correctional centre. I look forward to providing the House with further information on this new correctional centre in the near future.