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This article provides legal information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you wish to take any action arising from matters raised in this publication, you should consult a lawyer immediately.
Your security classification impacts which prison you are placed in and the level of security that is imposed on you. This article will answer frequently asked questions in relation to security classification decisions in Queensland.
A low classification does not automatically mean you will be transferred to a low-security prison or a work camp. There are restrictions as to who can be accommodated in a low-security prison or a work camp. For example, a prisoner is not eligible to be transferred to a low-security prison if they have been convicted of a sexual offence, have been convicted of murder or are serving a life sentence.
QCS must consider the following factors:
If you’re on remand and not serving a term of imprisonment for another offence (i.e. on “remand only”), you will be given a high-security classification. Exceptions can be made for women who are on remand for non-violent, non-sexual offences.
QCS must review a high-security classification every 3 years. If you request that your security classification be reviewed and you haven’t made this request in the past 12 months, QCS must review your security classification.
However, these rules do not apply to you if:
QCS should give you a document called an “Information Notice” which says what security classification you have been given and why.
QCS procedures state that an Information Notice must be provided to you in writing within 2 working days after your security classification decision is made.
If QCS has increased your security classification and you are unhappy about it, you have 7 days from when you received the Information Notice to write to QCS by blue letter and request a review of that security classification. You should send that blue letter to the following address:
Legal reviews of security classification decisions are only available in very limited circumstances. You can seek legal advice if you are not happy with your security classification.
Your security classification impacts which prison you are placed in and the level of security that is imposed on you. This article will answer frequently asked questions in relation to security classification decisions in Queensland.
A low classification does not automatically mean you will be transferred to a low-security prison or a work camp. There are restrictions as to who can be accommodated in a low-security prison or a work camp. For example, a prisoner is not eligible to be transferred to a low-security prison if they have been convicted of a sexual offence, have been convicted of murder or are serving a life sentence.
QCS must consider the following factors:
If you’re on remand and not serving a term of imprisonment for another offence (i.e. on “remand only”), you will be given a high-security classification. Exceptions can be made for women who are on remand for non-violent, non-sexual offences.
QCS must review a high-security classification every 3 years. If you request that your security classification be reviewed and you haven’t made this request in the past 12 months, QCS must review your security classification.
However, these rules do not apply to you if:
QCS should give you a document called an “Information Notice” which says what security classification you have been given and why.
QCS procedures state that an Information Notice must be provided to you in writing within 2 working days after your security classification decision is made.
If QCS has increased your security classification and you are unhappy about it, you have 7 days from when you received the Information Notice to write to QCS by blue letter and request a review of that security classification. You should send that blue letter to the following address:
Legal reviews of security classification decisions are only available in very limited circumstances. You can seek legal advice if you are not happy with your security classification.
This is the second part of a two-part series on Freedom of Information (or Right to Information) laws. This part discusses ‘review processes’ – that is, what can be done if you are unhappy with the FOI decision, particularly if you were refused information and you think this was incorrect.
I wonder if you could explain the new "No Body No Parole" law in New South Wales, where now people charged with murder or manslaughter need letters from the head of police?
If a prisoner is detained in solitary confinement, the conditions they face in custody are significantly more challenging compared to the general prison population. In some cases, this may be taken into account by a sentencing court and result in a shorter sentence being imposed.
Bail is a promise you can make that you will return to court. It means you can stay in the community (instead of jail) until your legal matters finish. If you are being held in custody and you haven’t been found guilty, you may be able to apply for bail.
There are major differences between how offences in prisons are dealt with around Australia. These offences typically range from minor ones, such as keeping an untidy cell, to more serious ones and others that can become criminal charges.
Wrongdoing thrives in the darkness. Too often, it is only because of brave people who speak out that the public learns what is happening in the shadows.
There are lots of reasons why people may get lighter or heavier sentences than someone else who has committed the same crime.
You got this letter to say that your visa has been cancelled due to your offending. This means you no longer hold a visa.
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