Cutting supervision of Parolees may increase the risk of re-offending
Friday, 09 April 2010
The decision by the State Labor Government to close Probation and Parole Offices in regional NSW is a blatant cost cutting exercise which could increase in the risk of re-offending, Shadow Minister for Justice Greg Smith SC said today.
Labor is closing offices in Deniliquin, Junee, Katoomba, and Narrabri.
“This decision is typical of this incompetent State Labor Government,” Mr Smith said.
“On the one hand the State Labor Government pretends to be concerned about the high rate of re-offending in NSW yet on the other it cuts the very services necessary to ensure that prisoners are being monitored after their release from prison,” he said.
“It beggars belief that closing Probation and Parole Offices that are presently open five days a week and moving them many kilometres and hours away from their current locations can be justified.
“This decision could result in reduced monitoring of parolees and increased breaches of parole conditions.
“Supervision by Probation and Parole Officers is a very important part of a parolee’s rehabilitation process.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are concerned this decision may well put the people of NSW at risk by parolees re-offending because of reduced supervision.
“Many of these Officers would have developed relationships of trust with the parolees, one which may help them in their rehabilitation. Breaking that relationship is potentially damaging.
“There is also a personal cost to decisions such as this. These Probation and Parole Officers would have built up community and family connections in their present locations.
“To require these employees, without adequate consultation, to pack up and move or to travel excessive hours to and from work, only demonstrates a total lack of concern by this arrogant and incompetent State Labor Government for the very frontline workers upon whom the whole system depends,” Mr Smith said.
