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Recommendation 186
This recommendation is assigned to CSNSW.
Recommendation
That prisoners, including Aboriginal prisoners, should receive remuneration for work performed. In order to encourage Aboriginal prisoners to overcome the educational disadvantage, which most Aboriginal people presently suffer, Aboriginal prisoners who pursue education or training courses during the hours when other prisoners are involved in remunerated work should receive the same level of remuneration. (This recommendation is not intended to apply to study undertaken outside the normal hours of work of prisoners.)
Context
The Royal Commission acknowledged that remuneration for prisoners’ institution wages were so low as to be nominal and that governments must ensure that adequate employment opportunities capable of leading to meaningful employment beyond prison should be the right of prisoners rather than a privilege of those incarcerated in institutions with particularly creative or committed administrations. Recommendation 186 is directed implementing remuneration for prisoners work and self development through education and training.
Status: Implemented
Section 7 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 provides that the Commissioner may pay inmates for work done and any other reason
Corrective Services Industries (CSI) policies prioritise the provision of employment opportunities and vocational skills development for Aboriginal inmates.
All work and study undertaken by inmates is paid in accordance with the Inmate Wages policy.
Detail of implementation
Section 7 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 provides that the Commissioner may pay inmates for work done and any other reason.
Corrective Services Industries (CSI) have developed an Inmate Wage Policy to ensure inmates who move from employment in a business unit to an Intensive Learning Centre (ILC) receive the same wage. There is also a minimum wage rate applied for ILC’s which can result in inmates receiving a higher wage than in their current employment. Inmate’s pay is not docked if they attend any educational or training opportunities.
CSI have a separate Indigenous Inmates Employment Policy which focuses on providing employment opportunities to Aboriginal inmates and to provide vocational and employment skills development programs to prepare for post-release employment opportunities.
Evidence
Last updated:
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