PRIVATISATION OF PRISONS IN NEW SOUTH WALES AND QUEENSLAND: A REVIEW OF SOME KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN AUSTRALIA

• NCJ Number: 145172
• Journal: Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1993) Pages: 231-250
• Author(s): P Moyle
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Revised version of a paper presented at the Eleventh Annual Law in History Conference at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, April 24-26, 1992.

Annotation

After reviewing the history of contract management of prisons in Queensland and New South Wales (Australia), this article assesses this trend.

Abstract

The private contract management of Australian prisons has increased in the past 3 years. The Labour Government elected in 1989 reaffirmed a private contract to manage Boarallon Correctional Centre, although the Labour Party had opposed the private management of prisons during the campaign. Borallon began operations on January 2, 1990. Supporters of the privatization of prison management in Australia anticipate that it will save government money and improve the effectiveness of prisons in reducing recidivism. There is no evidence to date that the privatization of prison management has directly contributed to improvements in corrections. The limited information available shows that the total privatization of a facility contributes to a decrease in management flexibility. Among the author's recommendations are the use of a 24-hour contract monitor, shorter term contracts with performance criteria as a condition of renewal, the standardization of accounting practices, and public accessibility to information on private prisons. 26 references