New research by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has shown that modest reductions in the rate at which offenders are re-imprisoned would result in substantial savings in prisoner numbers and correctional outlays – which is exactly why the NSW Liberals & Nationals have been saying reducing recidivism rates is so important, Shadow Minister for Justice Greg Smith SC said today.

The Bureau found a 10 per cent reduction in the overall re-imprisonment rate (from 58 to 52 per cent) would reduce the prison population by more than 800 inmates, saving $28 million per year.

A 10 per cent reduction in the Indigenous re-imprisonment rate (from 74 to 66 percent) would reduce the Indigenous sentenced prisoner population by 336 inmates, resulting in savings of more than $10 million per annum.[1]

“The latest Report shows that the State Labor Government’s failure to address recidivism rates has not only a community cost – but a hip pocket cost as well,” Mr Smith said.

“Dangerous criminals need to be locked up, and when released, closely monitored, but many prisoners who end up back in gaol shortly after release may have led more law abiding lives if diverted to non-custodial punishments, with more effort made to train them with life skills, to tackle their mental health and/or drug and alcohol problems,” he said.

“In NSW, the costs of building and running more prisons with more prisoners has escalated to the extent that less money is available to spend on much needed public transport and health services.

“A NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is determined to tackle these issues, as it is clear that the current penal policies of the State Labor Government are just not working, with our gaols overcrowding and prisoners being offered little or no help to get back on the straight and narrow once they get out.

“The State Labor Government must do much more to address the chronic high rates of recidivism, prisoners returning to gaol particularly among Aboriginals, Mr Smith said.