Corrections - COVID-19 response - SEPTEMBER 2020
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SEPTEMBER 2020
Corrections
Arthur Gorrie
Correctional Centre
transitions to QCS
operations
Community
Corrections office
opens in
Maroochydore
COVID-19 response
Confirmed COVID-19 cases moves facilities into lockdown
Recruitment campaign
launched
Front cover:
A representation of a coronavirus protein.
Corrections News is published
by the Media and Communications Unit
Queensland Corrective Services
GPO Box 1054
Level 21, Northbank Plaza, 69 Ann Street
Brisbane QLD 4001
(07) 3565 7824
QCSMedia@corrections.qld.gov.au
corrections.qld.gov.au
Contents
Messages from the Minister
and the Commissioner................
Capricornia Correctional
Centre capacity increases
Red benches raise domestic and family
violence awareness
as new units come online.........
essages from the
M Working to reduce
Deputy Commissioners............... Recruitment campaign launched hepatitis C in prisons.............
Message from the Assistant Drug and Alcohol Strategy QCS officer receives
Commissioner Central and 2020-2025 launches............... bravery award........................
Northern Region Command
New Strategic Plan 2020-2024 Farewell Superintendent
COVID-19: Coming together outlines commitment to enhance Steve Simmons
in crisis..................................... safety
Following in their footsteps:
Our response to COVID-19 Officer Safety (Use of Force) a legacy in corrections............
Review begins rollout..............
Keeping prisoners and QCS officer Barrie makes a
families connected.................... New skills for prisoners difference.............................
recycling bikes into
Minimising risk: wheelchairs........................... QCS officer Garry celebrates
QCS' recovery is underway......... 36 years in corrections..........
Partnership delivers world-
History made on July 1: class training.......................... Senior officer remembered
transition of correctional after dedicating over 60 years
centre to public operation....... Acknowledging National to corrections
Reconciliation Week during the
The history of Arthur Gorrie pandemic In memoriam..........................
Correctional Centre.................
Smart Pups graduate at Welcome to new officers........
Maroochydore Community Palen Creek............................
Corrections office opens.........
Corrections dogs trained
to keep North Queensland
prisons safe...........................
Message from Message from
the Minister the Commissioner
for Corrective Services Queensland
Corrective Services
The whole community is living through the most challenging This year has been a remarkable one as we navigate a one
times, but I know no-one faces a greater challenge than those of in one hundred year pandemic which has impacted every
you working in Queensland Corrective Services. aspect of our operations.
I want to thank you sincerely for the way you have gone above and Of course those impacts were felt closer to home after a
beyond the normal scope of your duties to minimise the threat of number of our officers tested positive to COVID-19. Following
COVID-19 to our community. I know this has not been easy. identification of the first positive case, we moved swiftly
to lock down prisons from Rockhampton south to the New
I know that the, at times, strict restrictions on access to
South Wales border with Stage 4 restrictions.
Community Corrections offices and correctional facilities has
made your work even more challenging. And my thoughts are with
My absolute priority is and will always be the safety of our
those officers who have been infected with the virus, and their
officers, and those in our care and under our supervision. To
families.
ensure this to the best of our ability, these restrictions were
These are difficult times.But the fact you have managed the most necessary and based on advice from Queensland Health.
challenging and complex members of the community through
a period unlike any other is a massive achievement. Even in On their advice and in abundance of caution, the decision
ordinary times, your working life is anything but ordinary. was made to test a broader group of people at the
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Academy and at Arthur
In my time as Minister, I have visited all of Queensland’s Gorrie Correctional Centre (AGCC).
correctional facilities and many Community Corrections offices,
and I have seen first-hand the work you do. You deal, on a daily This was a difficult and unique situation, but vital for the
basis, with the most difficult individuals imaginable. safety of our officers and the 7000 prisoners locked down to
prevent further transmission.
I can’t thank you enough for your dedicated efforts to keep the
community safe. I would also like to thank you all for embracing With more than 400 of the staffing group of 530 in
the historic reforms we have seen Queensland Corrective Services quarantine, AGCC faced significant operational challenges –
undertake. which were exacerbated by a number of incidents of unrest
amongst prisoners.
The work to reform the parole system is well underway.
I would like to thank all of our officers who stepped up to
The establishment of the first Care Management Unit at Townsville support their colleagues at AGCC. I am incredibly proud of
Correctional Centre is a significant milestone.
the way our officers worked together, often in unfamiliar
The transition of the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre from
infrastructure, to keep the prison operating during this time.
private to public operation was a massive project and one that Teams from the Escort and Security Branch and Borallon,
supports enhanced safety for staff and prisoners. Wolston, Woodford, Brisbane Women's and Brisbane
correctional centres worked alongside their AGCC colleagues
The $241m expansion of Capricornia Correctional Centre is rapidly to get through a challenging time.
nearing completion. The near doubling of capacity at Capricornia
will provide greater capacity across the entire Corrections Our officers across the agency have worked hard to ensure
network. we are in the best possible position, with contingency
planning commencing in February. We have a thoughtful plan
And I think we can all be excited about the soon to be constructed in place, guided by Queensland Health, and as this situation
new $650m, 1,000 bed Correctional facility near Gatton. This develops, we will respond as necessary to respond.
project will be a game-changer. It will massively boost the
network’s capacity and it will create hundreds of full-time, I want to thank every officer for their resilience and
permanent jobs for Corrections officers. continuing to undertake their challenging work in these
particularly difficult circumstances to ensure our prisons and
And I know the newly opened and soon to be completed new communities are safe.
Community Corrections offices will make a big difference to
supporting the work you do.
Infrastructure matters greatly in our Corrections network. But
people matter more, as all of you have demonstrated during this
most extraordinary and daunting era of the pandemic.
To you all, I want to say a heartfelt thanks, for your dedicated
professionalism and commitment to keeping the community safe.
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 3
Messages from the Deputy Commissioners
James Koulouris Paul Stewart APM
Deputy Commissioner eputy Commissioner
D
Organisational Capability Community Corrections
and Specialist Operations
As you all would be aware, the Covid-19 pandemic 2020 has shaped as another transformational year for
continues to bring great loss and uncertainty, impacting QCS. I would like to acknowledge the resilience and
all our lives and posing many challenges. QCS has a dedication of our officers as we continue to embark on
special responsibility to all Queenslanders to never falter a number of programs and reforms while continuing to
in its mission of securing public safety. In such times, maintain business as usual workloads in challenging
our purpose and values matter to the community that we circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
protect.
The QCS Intelligence Review (the review) is another critical
I’m inspired by the way our officers have risen to the body of work that has continued in 2020. The review
challenge of this unprecedented global health emergency was conducted by an experienced Specialist Intelligence
with focus, resilience and courage. Analyst from the Australian Criminal Intelligence
Commission (ACIC). The review is currently being
QCS in this new world will look different. Throughout considered and provides a number of recommendations
2020, the Organisational Capability Division (OCD) has relating to capacity, capability, sensitive intelligence and
directly shaped this future, delivering many significant technology to provide a whole of agency response to
milestones in landmark QCS and government initiatives. intelligence.
I’m proud of the way officers within OCD working across The implementation of the review will be managed by the
QCS have spearheaded the: ACIC Specialist Intelligence Analyst and will involve further
engagement across a wide range of internal and external
• design and planning for the construction of the stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify a
new $653 million, 1,000 bed prison in Gatton. preferred QCS intelligence model and framework for
This flagship infrastructure project will deliver the service delivery.
prison of the future. At its peak, there will be 900
construction and 500 ongoing custodial officer jobs The review and resultant implementation will determine
current and future strategic and organisational
• delivery of the world’s best corrective services intelligence requirements necessary to develop QCS into a
operational training, with the QCS Academy (Tactical proactive and agile department that is positioned to meet
Skills and Weapons Training Group) training all the increased demands of a growing prisoner population,
custodial officers in the use of oleoresin capsicum whilst adapting the intelligence capability across
spray, starting from early September 2020 custodial and community portfolios to ensure a mature,
sustainable and corruption-resistant culture of fearless
• delivery of a global first by planning for the transition information sharing.
to public operation of the Southern Queensland
Correctional Centre, following the successful I would like to acknowledge and thank all QCS officers
completion of Phase 1 of Operation Certitude across Custodial Operations, Organisational Capability
and Community Corrections and Specialist Operations
• $241 million expansion of Capricornia, on track for their support of the review to date, in addition to
for completion by June 2021. In early August, we our colleagues across Australia and internationally who
commissioned two secure units and eight residential assisted in shaping the review. The engagement and
blocks (288 cells) are due to be opened in late enthusiasm has been greatly appreciated.
August. This major project has delivered significant
benefits for the Central Queensland economy
• running of the State Corrections Operations Centre
to help coordinate the ongoing QCS operational
response to COVID-19.
These significant milestones are testament to our
dedicated and passionate officers across QCS, and I
thank everyone for their enormous contributions.
4 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
4 CORRECTIONS NEWS | AUGUST 2020
Gary McCahon Peter Shaddock
Deputy Commissioner Assistant Commissioner
Custodial Operations Central and Northern
Region Command
As we implement the strategic roadmap of Corrections The past few weeks in my new role as Assistant
2030 to position QCS as a top tier, front line public safety Commissioner Central and Northern Region Command
agency, it is vital that we focus on the important role that have been incredibly dynamic and I appreciate the
each of us perform every day to protect the community. support from all QCS officers during this transition.
I have previously stated that my focus is on improving The undertaking of this role complements the recent
the safety and professionalism of our officers. It is our realignment of Assistant Commissioners and some
responsibility to manage over 8700 of the most complex of our senior leadership roles within QCS. As we
and challenging people in our society against the continue to strive for best practice within prisons, we
backdrop of a global pandemic. To do this safely and will endeavour to deliver more comprehensive regional
effectively, we need to confidently and consistently apply support and greater visibility of senior leaders in all
the legislative and procedural framework that governs our correctional centres.
day-to-day operations.
It certainly is an exciting time to oversee correctional
These challenging times require us to go back to the centres within this region, which covers Woodford,
fundamentals of corrective services to ensure the safety north to Lotus Glen. Within this portfolio, I look forward
of our facilities, colleagues, stakeholders, visitors and to investing in each centre through regular, ongoing
prisoners in our care. I will be looking for opportunities to site visitations, engaging directly with officers and
empower officers with the training and tools they need to being part of the overall leadership.
effectively perform their duties.
One of the key functions of my role is to engage with
Upon taking up the Deputy Commissioner position on all the general managers from the central and northern
June 1 this year, I was tasked by the Commissioner with regions.
implementing the recommendations of the recently
completed Officer Safety (Use of Force) Review which I recently hosted the first joined up regional command
will position QCS as the best trained and equipped forum on site at Capricornia Correctional Centre.
correctional jurisdiction in Australia. On July 3, I stood
up the Officer Safety Committee which will steward and These forums offer an opportunity to get together with
implement the recommendations from the review. senior managers and discuss the dynamic aspects
and elements of our environment, including officer
On July 6, I announced the realignment of the two investment, training, exposure, exchange programs
Assistant Commissioner roles to a regional model. The and development opportunities across all the
Assistant Commissioner Central and Northern Region portfolios.
Command and the Assistant Commissioner Southern
Region Command and I will be spending as much time as The forums also complement the great work being
possible at our correctional centres so that we may better undertaken by Deputy Commissioner Custodial
support officers at the grassroots level and understand the Operations Gary McCahon at the strategic level,
unique issues faced at their location. supporting all general managers and leadership teams
across the State.
On August 10, QCS commenced Operational Performance
Review meetings across all correctional facilities. These As leaders, we all have a deliberate shared focus and
reviews present an opportunity to common goal of contributing to the strategic position
hold managers to account for the delivery of services, of QCS, guided by our overarching principles in
share innovation and good practice, identify opportunities Corrections 2030.
to improve our performance, actively respond to emerging
issues, maintain positive and productive workplaces, I look forward to the coming weeks and months as we
and create safer communities through enhanced service continue to work together to deliver positive outcomes
delivery. for QCS and forge safer communities for a safer
Queensland.
We will face many challenges in the weeks and months
ahead, but I look forward to facing these with you and
supporting your efforts in delivering safe and effective
corrective services.
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 5
COVID-19
(Coronavirus)
Coming together in crisis
During the past six months, COVID-19 has challenged our
operations, health and human spirit, but we are proud of how our “The SCOC has held a key function of keeping all officers updated
officers have responded to the pandemic. and informed as the pandemic unfolded over the last six months.
This has never been more true than the way our officers have “It will also continue to be a regular source of contact regarding
banded together following a number of our officers at the major developments and will aid those with any concerns or
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Acadmey and Arthur inquiries.
Gorrie Correctional Centre testing positive to COVID-19 in late
August. Our officers have shown tremendous resilience and From the start of the pandemic, all areas of QCS have
demonstrated how QCS comes together in a crisis. collaborated and delivered important services and provisions
needed to adapt to the changing operational needs of the
Safety of our officers and everyone in our care is our absolute organisation.
priority and will continue to be as we adapt to operations in a
COVID-19 world. “Our response to the pandemic has been proactive, innovative
and strategic, and I congratulate every single officer across QCS
From the outset, the State Corrections Operation Centre (SCOC) for their ongoing work in keeping COVID-19 out of our prisons and
was established to provide an agency-wide strategic approach to helping keep our communities safe during this unprecedented
the pandemic. crisis,” Commissioner Martin said.
Representatives of every part of QCS formed the group to ensure “Sadly, we have a long way to go in this pandemic and our
emerging issues and risks were managed strategically while new Hotspot Response Planning Tool, developed by the SCOC,
preserving officer safety and our core business of maintaining provides clarity around restrictions in place at any facility at
public safety. a certain time, including relevant policies and an at-a-glance
summary across the State.
Commissioner Peter Martin APM said the impacts of the
pandemic were significant and long lasting, affecting every part “Thank you for continuing to support each other during this
of the organisation and would do for some time to come. remarkable time.”
Our response to COVID-19
JANUARY • New isolation procedures prisoners to make and receive
introduced in correctional phone calls through headsets
• First case of COVID-19 confirmed centres requiring all new from within their cells during
in Queensland prisoners to undertake 14 days their 14-day isolation period.
of isolation upon reception in all Officers always maintain control
FEBRUARY high security prisons of the phone and physical
contact between all parties is
• COVID-19 Taskforce established • Community Corrections begin limited
to lay the groundwork for QCS’ operating under Stage 2
response to the pandemic restrictions by limiting direct • New Public Health Direction
engagement with offenders, introduced by the Chief Health
MARCH clients and stakeholders and Officer protecting front line
introducing socially distanced public safety workers against
• The State Corrections Operation
practices the threat of spitting, coughing
Centre stood up to provide an
and sneezing during the
agency-wide, strategic approach MAY COVID-19 pandemic
• Temperature checking • In line with the Queensland • Virtual Personal Visits program
introduced into correctional Government recovery program, rolled out across Queensland to
centres QCS moves towards the first keep prisoners in contact with
stages of COVID-19 recovery, family and friends
APRIL
revising polices involving
• Financial Services and Strategic managing prisoner receptions • Prisoner email and electronic
Sourcing Command source and managing vulnerable fund transfer services
a secure supply of Personal prisoners introduced as another channel
Protective Equipment for use of communication for prisoners
• Brisbane Correctional Centre to connect with family and
across the organisation
pioneer the use of Bluetooth friends during suspension of
technology which enable personal visits
6 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
COVID-19
(Coronavirus)
• Prisoners remain connected to • Prisoner Voicemail System is • Due to cases of COVID-19 in
the courts through video links launched for families and friends the community, six prisons
across the State to facilitate to keep in touch with loved ones commence Stage 2 restrictions
over 600 sentences, with only in prison. The system allows on August 20
six prisoners being required to prisoners to retrieve messages
appear in court in person and reply with a voicemail • Due to cases of COVID-19 in the
message community, a total of 11 prisons
• QCS worked closely with a range commence Stage 3 restrictions
of agencies to plan for the safe JULY on August 22
return of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people being • Thermal imaging technology • QCS supports the Department
released from prison to their introduced into correctional of Youth Justice through meals
communities of origin during the centres and laundry for the Brisbane
pandemic Youth Detention Centre following
• Recovery Commencement Plan an outbreak of COVID-19 in the
• Domestic and Family Violence Stage 3 comes into effect on July centre
prevention month and National 10
Reconciliation Week honoured Personal visits to correctional • Queensland prisons from the
across the State with virtual centres recommence on July 10 New South Wales border up to
events taking place at several and including Rockhampton
correctional centres and • Personal visits to South East are locked down with Stage 4
community corrections offices Queensland correctional centres restrictions due to a positive test
temporarily suspended on July at the QCS Academy on August
JUNE 29 27
• QCS Recovery Commencement AUGUST • Further officers test positive to
Plan Stage 2 comes into effect COVID-19 and testing expands to
on June 12 • State Operations Correction a broader group of people at the
Centre (SCOC) developed a new QCS Academy on August 28
• QCS announces the Hotspot Resource Planning
recommencement of personal Tool for Custodial Operations • Following positive COVID-19
visits to correctional centres and Community Corrections tests amongst officers at Arthur
from July 10 to address the next stage of Gorrie Correctional Centre
planning and recovery during the (AGCC), all AGCC officers to be
• Reception prisoners no longer pandemic tested following Queensland
required to complete 14-day Health advice and restrictions
isolation unless there are • Personal visits to South East amended based on centre (see
suspected or confirmed cases Queensland correctional centres Figure 1) on August 30
of COVID-19, or specific at- recommence on August 13
risk prisoners determined by
Queensland Health
Figure 1
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 7
COVID-19
(Coronavirus)
Keeping prisoners and families
connected
Embracing new technologies has back into the community, while minutes each, and 55 visit kiosks
allowed prisoners and their loved ensuring the safety and security of have been installed in prisons.
ones to stay connected during the our centres,” Deputy Commissioner
recent pandemic, an important Koulouris said. Since they commenced in April, more
part of their health, wellbeing and than 6700 virtual personal visits
rehabilitation. Since April, over 2600 emails have have occured.
been received by prisoners across
Several new technological solutions the State, over 2100 replies have Deputy Commissioner Koulouris
have been introduced in correctional been sent by prisoners and over praised QCS officers for their ability
centres since the start of the 1600 secure electronic fund transfers to quickly adapt to short- and long-
pandemic, such as virtual personal have been made into prisoner trust term solutions to improve outcomes
visits, voicemail, email, Bluetooth accounts. for prisoners and increase the safety
technology and electronic fund of prisons.
transfer (EFT). For the month of May, over 800
virtual personal visits occurred
Deputy Commissioner Organisational across the State, averaging 34
Capability James Koulouris said
the pandemic was the impetus to
fast-track new channels to allow
prisoners more opportunities to keep
in touch with their families during
what had been a difficult time.
“The ability for prisoners to
connect with family and friends,
and access money for phone calls
and buy-up items is important in
ensuring prisoners continue their
rehabilitation and reintegration
8 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 8
COVID-19
(Coronavirus)
Minimising risk:
QCS’ recovery is underway
The impacts of the pandemic will be Queensland Corrective Services processing are already being used
significant and long lasting and as (QCS) facilities. in correctional centres as part of a
recent events have shown, outbreaks comprehensive health screening
in the community will continue for Commissioner Peter Martin APM process.
the foreseeable future. To manage said QCS was operating in a time
the response to localised outbreaks of uncertainty and the new plan This process is mandatory for
in the community, a new response highlighted necessary action if the everyone entering correctional
planning tool has been developled risk of infection increased or there environments, including the QCS
to help us respond quickly and was a confirmed COVID-19 case in a Academy and the secure unit at the
appropriately to subsequent waves QCS facility. Princess Alexandra Hospital.
of infection.
“Our overall recovery approach Commissioner Martin said
The Hotspot Response Planning Tool continues to be flexible and technologies such as thermal
has been developed by the State responsive to community imaging provided QCS with a
Corrections Operation Centre (SCOC) developments and local conditions, sustainable approach to use well
and ensures relevant policies are and is in place to ensure the safety into the future.
in place at correctional centres and and health of all our officers,
community corrections offices. It also prisoners and the wider community,” “The landscape is constantly
ensures restrictions and anticipated Commissioner Martin said. changing, but by working closely
impacts to operations are addressed with Queensland Health and with the
through the new four-stage approach Additional measures such as thermal support of our dedicated workforce,
to manage the risk of COVID-19 in imaging automated temperature we are well placed for the challenges
checks and digital biometric entry ahead.”
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 9
History made on July 1:
transition of correctional centre to public operation
A warm welcome was extended to the support in achieving this historical who have transferred from other
newest members of the Queensland milestone and for their ongoing Queensland prisons and those new
Corrective Services (QCS) family as efforts for a successful transition, to QCS, who joined the organisation
Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre including the officers at AGCC, through one of the largest ever
(AGCC) transitioned to public the operational teams and the recruitment campaigns undertaken
operation on July 1. transitional leadership group,” in QCS history.
Commissioner Martin said.
The transition of Queensland’s The officers joined 5500 of their
largest remand centre, formerly “After months of meticulous esteemed colleagues across the
operated by the privately-run planning and the added challenge State who perform the vital role of
organisation GEO, was one of of transitioning during the greatest keeping communities safe – a public
the largest, most complex and global health crisis in 100 years, this service which forms an integral
significant projects in the 170-year was a large undertaking with many component of the criminal justice
history of QCS. moving parts. system.
Commissioner Peter Martin APM “I am incredibly proud of this “This is an exciting time to join
praised the project team and remarkable achievement and QCS, and I look forward to working
the staff at GEO who worked in congratulate everyone who had a with you all as we continue to
partnership for over 12 months role to play.” strive towards becoming a top-tier
to ensure the safe and secure public safety agency, committed
transition. The foundational staffing group to protecting the people of
consists of officers who have worked Queensland,” Commissioner Martin
“I want to thank everyone for their at AGCC for many years, those said.
The Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Leadership Team of Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre
10 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020THE HISTORY
of
Arthur Gorrie
Correctional Centre
When Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre (AGCC)
opened its doors in 1992, the Wacol-based remand
centre started with 380 beds.
The centre was largely commissioned to replace
the notorious Brisbane Gaol at Boggo Road, which
began operation in 1883.
AGCC was only the second correctional centre
to operate under the private sector within the
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Commission.
At the time, it briefly housed a youth detention
centre and an immigration centre in the mid-2000s.
Over the years the centre has gradually expanded to
accommodate about 1200 prisoners and is now one
of Queensland’s largest remand centres.
As for Arthur Gorrie, the man for whom the centre
is named, he was a distinguished Toastmaster who
introduced Toastmaster public speaking groups to
correctional centres across Queensland.
Mr Gorrie believed teaching prisoners
communication skills would help in the rehabilitation
process and open doors to a world of opportunity.
He set out to establish a Toastmasters group in every
correctional centre in Queensland and donated
considerable time to making this happen.
The Toastmasters groups had a positive impact on
the prisoners, many of whom were illiterate and
uneducated, but through the program were taught
how to articulate their arguments and feelings and
gain social skills and self-confidence.
When it came to choosing a name for the new
centre in 1992, there was no question among the
decision makers. Mr Gorrie’s contribution to prisoner
rehabilitation throughout Queensland almost landed
him unofficial naming rights and thus AGCC was
established.
Sadly, Mr Gorrie passed away shortly before the
centre opened, but his legacy lives on.
On July 1, AGCC became a publicly operated
correctional facility under QCS.
CORRECTIONS
CORRECTIONSNEWS
NEWS| AUGUST 20202020 11
| SEPTEMBER 11Maroochydore Community
Corrections office opens
The new Maroochydore Community have access to a facility that enables “They are often the unseen part of
Corrections office was officially them to conduct their business our business, but like all our officers,
opened at a ceremony on the effectively and with appropriate their work is incredibly important in
Sunshine Coast on August 5 by safety mechanisms in place,” keeping the community safe. I am
Minister for Corrective Services Mark Commissioner Martin said. pleased we are able to provide them
Ryan MP and QCS Commissioner this facility to support their work.”
Peter Martin APM.
Our Community Corrections officers
The new office is a fit-for-purpose aid in the rehabilitation of offenders
facility that will allow the 22 officers by providing support, access to
to manage more than 700 offenders treatment programs, stable housing
who are under the supervision and and meaningful community work that
care of QCS in the Sunshine Coast helps them live crime free lives in
community. their community.
It also allows officers to provide A part of this work includes offenders
essential facilities, including completing unpaid community
interview, program and urinalysis service, which benefits a range
testing rooms as well as increased “Community Corrections officers of community groups, and gives
CCTV for the safety of officers and act as agents of change and offenders life and vocational skills
offenders. help offenders correct offending that assist them to avoid reoffending.
behaviour, administering orders
Commissioner Martin said the of the court and coordinating Between 1 July 2019 and 30 June
relocation provided a safer and more community service orders that 2020, 8,139 hours of unpaid
appropriate workspace for officers to enable and encourage offenders and community service was completed
conduct their work. to live as productive members of the by offenders reporting to the
community. Maroochydore office, valued at
“It is important that our officers $226,223 to the community.
12 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020Recruitment campaign
launched
Our Be On the Look Out (BOLO) recruitment
campaign is in full swing after its recent
Capricornia Correctional Centre launch and encourages Queenslanders to
‘take a look inside’ to see if they have what
capacity increases as new units it takes to help keep our communities safe.
The recruitment campaign is offering more
come online than 400 full-time jobs with a range of
career opportunities across the State, with
The capacity of Queensland’s “By expanding Capricornia a particular focus on filling new positions
prisons increased, and officers Correctional Centre and building at Capricornia Correctional Centre.
will be safer as two secure units a new 1004 bed prison in Gatton Advertised jobs are available in
at Capricornia Correctional Centre as part of Southern Queensland key locations including Woodford,
were officially opened on August 4. Correctional Precinct Stage Two, Maryborough, Townsville, Mareeba
it will allow us to manage and and Rockhampton, which is currently
As part of the $241 million move prisoners around the State undergoing a major expansion at
expansion, the units were officially effectively and gives flexibility Capricornia Correctional Centre.
opened by Minister for Corrective to manage fluctuation prisoner
Services Mark Ryan MP and numbers. Positions available range from Custodial
Queensland Corrective Services Correctional Officers and Trade Instructors
(QCS) Commissioner Peter Martin “The increased capacity will also to qualified Psychologists.
APM. free up our officers to actively drive
Commissioner Peter Martin APM
behavioural change by engaging encouraged officers who had friends
The units will increase the centre’s with prisoners and focusing on impacted by redundancies and lay-offs as
capacity by 100 cells with a further their rehabilitation and reducing a result of COVID-19 to encourage them
188 cells will be added as the the risk of reoffending when they to apply to join Queensland Corrective
residential units come online in return to the community. Services, a top tier front line public safety
coming weeks. agency.
“The safety of our centres is my
Commissioner Martin said that top priority as Commissioner and “This is a great opportunity, and I
once the expansion was complete QCS as an organisation, and by encourage people from all walks of life to
in 2021, the centre would have a increasing the capacity of our take a look inside and see if they are up to
total of 945 beds and would almost centres, we are making them a the challenge of a career in corrections as
double the capacity of the centre. we undergo transformational change and
safer environment for our officers, growth,” Commissioner Martin said.
prisoners and visitors.
“Capacity constraints remain
“Working for QCS is deeply meaningful
one of the biggest issues facing – we transform lives, and communities,
correctional services worldwide every single day. Working for QCS means
and addressing this is a priority for working at the front line of public safety or
QCS,” Commissioner Martin said. providing direct support to those who do.
“For those looking for work in this crisis,
we are offering a chance to become part
of a team in a stable environment and join
the front line emergency services keeping
Queensland safe.
For information on how to apply to join
QCS, visit corrections.qld.gov.au
Inside the new secure unit
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 13
CORRECTIONS NEWS | JANUARY 2020 13Drug and Alcohol Strategy
2020-2025 launches
One of the five key principles of 2025, custodial and community The Drug and Alcohol Strategy
Corrections 2030 is safety, which is corrections officers will be safer, 2020-2025 is available at
our absolute priority. and officers, prisoners and corrections.qld.gov.au
offenders will have access to the
This is evident following the recent support they need, resulting in
launch of our Drug and Alcohol fewer victims of crime related to
Strategy 2020-2025, which provides alcohol and other drug use.
an overarching framework for
preventing and deterring supply, “Achieving this vision is a
reducing demand and reducing the critical step for QCS on our way
harms associated with alcohol and to becoming a top-tier front line
other drug use. public safety agency.”
Commissioner Peter Martin APM The strategy has been
said reducing the harms associated developed in collaboration
with alcohol and other drug use was with QCS officers and key
an important step in increasing the external stakeholders
safety of officers and those under including Together
Queensland Corrective Services' Queensland, Queensland
(QCS) care. Health, Queensland Police
Service, Department of the
“The strategy provides an Premier and Cabinet, and
overarching framework for Queensland Network of
preventing and deterring supply, Alcohol and Other Drugs
reducing demand and reducing the Agencies.
harms associated with alcohol and
other drug use,” Commissioner It is supported by
Martin said. international evidence-based
practice and independent
“It also supports the vision that by research.
New Strategic Plan Commissioner Peter Martin APM
said QCS remained focused on
capacity, ensuring rehabilitation is
culturally-appropriate, evidence-
2020-24 outlines safer correctional environments,
humane management of prisoners
based and aligned with best-
practice, and working with other
commitment to and offenders, reducing crime and
partnering with the community and
community safety agencies to keep
Queensland safe.”
stakeholders to keep Queensland
enhance safety safe. Commissioner Martin encouraged
everyone interested in public
Queensland Corrective Services “Our primary focus is to ensure safety to take the time to read
(QCS) recently released its new every corrective services officer, the plan, underpinned by the five
Strategic Plan 2020-24 with a visitor and stakeholder, and those principles of Corrections 2030,
vision to enhance the safety of within our care or supervision which supports QCS’ commitment
Queenslanders over the next four are supported through safer to becoming a top tier public safety
years. correctional environments,” agency in Queensland.
Commissioner Martin said.
QCS will strive to achieve this The Strategic Plan 2020-24 and
through evidence-based, effective “The Strategic Plan 2020- Corrections 2030 can be viewed at
corrective services which maximise 24 outlines our commitment corrections.qld.gov.au
opportunities for rehabilitation to overhauling safety in our
and reduce reoffending, as well as correctional environments,
performance indicators to be used bolstering accountability and
to measure against. governance, increasing prison
14 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020
14 CORRECTIONS NEWS | JANUARY 2020Officer Safety (Use of Force) Review begins rollout
The Officer Safety (Use of Force) Deputy Commissioner McCahon review, recommendations, and the
Review (the Review), endorsed by established the Officer Safety overarching implementation of the
the Commissioner on September Committee (OSC) in July to provide Review's recommendations.”
1, will build safer correctional the governance and authorising
environments, emergency response environment to steward and Deputy Commissioner McCahon said
leadership capability, technology implement recommendations of one of the most significant emerging
and security accoutrements, with the Review and ensure continuous outcomes from the Review was the
initial training to begin rolling out in improvement in contemporary officer development and rollout of training
the following weeks. safety practices. for officers in the coming months.
Project lead, Deputy Commissioner “A range of training designed to
Custodial Operations Gary McCahon improve officer safety will be rolled
said safety and security remained out through the QCS Academy,
one of Queensland Corrective including training to support the
Services (QCS) top priorities and introduction of OC spray to custodial
the Review was an important step in officers in high security men’s
continuing to enhance the safety of prisons by the end of this year,” he
QCS officers across all correctional said.
environments.
Training in the use of OC spray will
“This review is a key commitment commence from September and will
linked to Corrections 2030 and the be delivered progressively across the
QCS Strategic Plan 2019-2023, and State, with planned completion by
is a critical step in QCS becoming the end of the year.
a top-tier, forward thinking, front “The OSC will play a critical role in
line, public safety agency,” Deputy ensuring the safety of our officers
Commissioner McCahon said. and our workplaces through practice
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 15New skills for prisoners
recycling bikes into wheelchairs
Our officers are helping prisoners prisoners with meaningful work as “On this project, prisoners are
from Palen Creek Correctional part of a structured day. developing a range of skills including
Centre (PCCC) learn new skills by welding, spray-painting, air brushing
transforming unwanted bicycles “Our officers are extraordinary and bicycle repair.
into wheelchairs to help people people who go above and beyond
with mobility issues in developing to support prisoners in our care, “The project also gives prisoners a
countries. building the skills they need sense of satisfaction as they know
to improve their chances of they are helping to give the gift of
The idea came about when officers employment when released from mobility to people in need.”
at PCCC learnt of the Wheelchair prison, which in turn reduces their
Aid Project run by the Rotary Club chances of reoffending. Rotary Club of Surfers Sunrise
of Surfers Sunrise, who started the Director of Service Projects Larry
project 22 years ago. Murray said the work performed by
PCCC was of very high quality and
PCCC Acting Deputy General Manager much appreciated.
Superintendent Dave Gordon said
officers found out about the program “The officers do a tremendous job
and decided they wanted to get in training and supervising the
involved in this worthy cause. prisoners and the wheelchairs
produced at Palen Creek are of a very
“After learning how to recycle the high quality,” Mr Murray said.
bicycles into wheelchairs, the
officers have been training the PCCC sources the unwanted bicycles
prisoners as part of a community from refuse transfer centres, with
service program, which has since International research suggests permission from local authorities.
produced over 2100 wheelchairs,” that when prisoners are released
A/g Supt. Gordon said. into the community and have stable Since the program started, the
accommodation, social support Rotary Club has supplied almost
Community service programs, such and employment opportunities, 9000 of these mobility aids to people
as bicycle recycling, play a vital role they have the best chance of not in need in East Timor, Vietnam,
in improving the safety and security reoffending, which makes the Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa and
of correctional centres by providing community safer for everyone. Africa.
16 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020Partnership undertake their critical role in crime
prevention and ensuring community
safety.
Although the project is focused on
Community Corrections, many of
the developed training modules will
delivers “This curriculum is an investment
in our exceptional and dedicated
benefit officers across the agency.
Griffith’s Dr Lacey Schaefer said
world-class workforce, who work with the most
difficult and challenging members
the partnership was an exciting
opportunity for Community
training
of society every day to keep our Corrections officers.
community safe.
“The training packages being
“Griffith University is recognised as a developed adhere to evidence-
QCS has partnered with Griffith world leader in the criminology field based best practices in corrections,
University to develop an innovative and has the largest community of bringing officers the knowledge
training curriculum, positioning the criminologists in Australia, including and skills they will require to be
organisation as an international many of our own officers. advanced practitioners,” Dr Schaefer
leader in evidence-based said.
corrections. “The university will work alongside
the Community Corrections Training “The professional development
The new curriculum will fulfil key team at the QCS Academy, whose opportunities this brings for officers
recommendations of the Queensland role is to encourage superior will have important consequences
Parole System Review (QPSR) to community corrections practices that for their wellbeing and performance,
review and implement training for enhance public safety and prevent with subsequent benefits for
Community Corrections officers, reoffending,” Deputy Commissioner corrections clients and their
investing in reforms to Queensland’s Stewart said. communities.
correctional system.
The project will support the effective “Griffith University is excited to
QPSR program lead, Deputy case management of offenders be partnering with QCS on this
Commissioner Community through a new evidenced based impactful project.”
Corrections and Specialist practice curriculum, including
Operations Paul Stewart said the structured on-the-job training, The new Community Corrections
partnership would ensure QCS specialised education for specific training curriculum is expected to
officers were well equipped to roles, and professional development. commence roll-out in 2021.
Acknowledging National Reconciliation
Week during the pandemic
The pandemic has challenged “Our officers honoured the week Mabo Day.
our operations, but Community by engaging colleagues and
Corrections officers from around the stakeholders and reflecting on Other officers across the region
State have found innovative, mostly National Reconciliation Week’s participated in various livestreaming
socially distanced ways, to honour rich historical significance and events and webinars on YouTube and
significant events, such as National the important role we all play in Facebook.
Reconciliation Week (May 31 to June reconciliation,” said Supt. Payne.
3). Officers from Maroochydore
The messages were an opportunity Community Corrections learnt more
In the Far Northern Region, Cairns to share symbolic milestones— such about the diversity, culture and
District Office’s cultural liaison as the 1967 Referendum and the achievements of Aboriginal and
officers, who play an important role High Court Mabo Decision – that Torres Strait Islander people through
in connecting people with culture, led to reconciliation, and links to a presentation put together by
acknowledged the week by sending relevant YouTube videos, articles Senior Case Manager, Joshua (with
daily themed emails to colleagues and television programs about the endorsement from a local cultural
in lieu of traditional face-to-face importance of reconciliation. contact).
community events.
Officers from Thursday Island Regional Manager North
Regional Manager Far Northern District Office commemorated Coast Community Corrections
Region Superintendent Gabrielle National Reconciliation Week with Superintendent Ursula Roeder ACM
Payne said officers in the region an afternoon tea with colleagues said during these challenging times,
did a wonderful job acknowledging and other agencies in the shared it was important to reflect on our
National Reconciliation Week Government hub. The office was then country as a whole and understand
remotely. closed on May 29 in recognition of that reconciliation was a journey that
Torres Strait Flag Day and June 3 for all must take part in.
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 17Smart Pups graduate
at Palen Creek
The Smart Pups program is one way Prisoners at the low-security centre International research confirms that
our officers are helping prisoners received remote training modules dog handling programs such as
learn valuable skills, self-worth, during the COVID-19 lockdown to this are effective in helping improve
confidence and what can be achieved continue training the dogs. prisoner behaviour while in custody,
by investing in others less fortunate. as well as making prisoners less
“Despite the pandemic, we've been likely to re-offend upon release when
Golden Retriever Twiggy and able to find ways to continue the compared to those not involved in a
chocolate Labrador Beau, trained by training so prisoners involved in the dog handling program.
prisoners at Palen Creek Correctional program could continue to give back
Centre (PCCC), will go to children to the community and specifically, Smart Pups Senior Dog Trainer Dayle
with disability in the coming months children with disability. Telford said it was wonderful to
after the prison’s first group of Smart partner with Queensland Corrective
Pups graduated the program on Services again to establish the Smart
August 13. Pups program in a third centre.
The prisoners taught the dogs basic “We are really happy with what has
obedience skills and tasks such as been achieved with Twiggy and Beau
retrieving items, opening doors and at Palen Creek. The quality of pups
removing socks – their first step of are amazing, and this makes our
training on their journey to becoming job of finalising their training much
qualified working assistance dogs. quicker and easier,” Ms Telford said.
PCCC Acting Deputy General “Palen Creek should be very proud
Manager Superintendent David of their work with the Smart Pups
Gordon said the centre was excited program.”
to receive the Smart Pups program “It is a win-win for the prisoners and
following its success at Borallon the children in need. The prisoners The Smart Pups program is the first
Training and Correctional Centre and involved were proud to give back step of training for the assistance
Maryborough Correctional Centre. to the community and see the dogs dogs. Once all training is complete,
graduate to go on to help children the dogs will be placed with a child
“This program is another way we with disability.” in Australia or New Zealand based on
are attempting to break the cycle of the dog’s individual abilities and the
reoffending,” A/g Supt. Gordon said. needs of the child.
18 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020Red benches raise
awareness of domestic
and family violence
Corrections dogs trained to We recently joined forces with Red Rose
keep North Queensland Foundation Australia, Townsville City Council
and Queensland Police Service to construct
prisons safe red benches for display outside of the Council
building and the Mundingburra Police Station to
raise awareness of domestic and family violence.
Lotus Glen Correctional Centre recently hosted a joint general
purpose dog handler training course with officers from Townsville The benches were constructed by prisoners from
Correctional Complex. Townsville Correctional Complex.
Our highly-skilled dog squad officers work closely with corrective Townsville Correctional Complex Acting General
services officers to provide the highest security and response Manager Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw
capability to keep our prisons safe and secure. said manufacturing the benches was a great
example of QCS’ commitment to taking a stand
Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Academy General Manager against domestic violence.
Chief Superintendent Alan Butler said it was a practical decision
for Lotus Glen to join forces with Townsville to enable operational “We deal with domestic and family violence at
agility and minimise unnecessary travel during the COVID-19 many levels in QCS, with many prisoners being
pandemic for training usually completed onsite at the Dog Squad perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
Complex in Wacol. We were happy to be involved and have the
opportunity to help raise awareness of this
“Due to the importance of our dog squad program and the value important issue,” A/g Chief Supt. Kneeshaw
QCS dogs add to correctional centre security, this essential said.
training could not be delayed,” said Chief Supt. Butler.
The benches provide a permanent presence in
“The pandemic has shifted how we conduct all of our operational public spaces and act as a symbolic reminder
training, and I commend our agile training officers for their work of domestic and family violence in our
to complete these vital regional certifications, while minimising communities.
essential travel.”
For prisoners, constructing the benches
The 12-week general purpose dog handler training program has a provides them with an opportunity to learn key
strong focus on safety and security, with graduates playing a vital life and vocational skills, which gives them a
role in emergency response and de-escalation on deployment to better chance of employment once released
a correctional centre. Core competencies of the course include from custody, while also giving back to the
obedience, agility, searching, bite work and handler scenario community.
training.
The collaboration of the red benches helps raise
Chief Supt. Butler said there was a high level of skills and public awareness and keep this important issue
commitment invested in the training of the handlers and their visible in communities.
dogs.
The first red bench was installed in Rockhampton
“General purpose dogs and their handlers require specific skills and was constructed by prisoners from
to manage risks and contain situations safely within correctional Capricornia Correctional Centre.
centres,” he said.
Keep an eye out for one near you and help
“Our world-class course is designed to ensure these skills are us take a stand against domestic and family
attained to the highest standard to ensure the safety and security violence.
of our centres and the broader community.”
CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 19Working
to reduce
hepatitis C
in prisons
July 28 marked World Hepatitis Day, an international event “Prisons are recognised worldwide as incubators for
aimed at increasing awareness and influencing positive blood-borne viruses which presents a real risk to officers,
change in the testing and treatment of hepatitis C and prisoners and to the community when a prisoner is
hepatitis B. released.
This year’s theme was to ‘Find the Hero Inside You’, which “Reducing the prevalence of hepatitis C in our correctional
drew attention to the issue of prevention (vaccination facilities will have a positive effect on rates not just in the
for hepatitis B) and early detection (testing and cure facilities, but also in the general community.”
for hepatitis C), particularly for those living with viral
hepatitis – those most at risk of sever liver disease In 2018, Queensland Corrective Services, in partnership
including liver cancer. with Hepatitis Queensland, released three educational
videos to all correctional centres across Queensland. The
We are committed to raising awareness and reducing the videos are specific to the correctional environment and
spread of hepatitis C within the correctional environment. explain how the disease is contracted, why it is worth
getting tested and how easy and effective treatment is.
Assistant Commissioner Northern Region Command Peter
Shaddock said hepatitis C was more common among
prisoners than in the general community.
According to Hepatitis Queensland, hepatitis C is more
prevalent in a correctional centre 20-40 times higher on
average than the general community, which is about one
per cent.
“The safety of officers and prisoners in our care is our
absolute priority,” Assistant Commissioner Shaddock
said.
A message from Hepatitis Queensland:
Treatment for hepatitis C is available to everyone and is as simple as taking tablets daily for 8-12 weeks with little to
no side effects and cures around 95 per cent of people. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination.
For anyone concerned about whether they have been exposed to hepatitis B or C, or already diagnosed, visit your
doctor today or call Hepatis Queensland on 1800 437 222.
20 CORRECTIONS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020You can also read
