ISSUE NO. 20
March 2026
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Letters

An Idea to Reduce Drugs and Violence in Prison

By
Melissa

Melissa writes from a prison in WA.

Willy Pleasance

To About Time,

I have been in the system a long time. I believe that we as prisoners should be heard a lot more.

I’ve written to nearly everyone available to us on the confidential mail envelopes with my idea that I believe will reduce drugs through the prison system and also reduce violence.

If we had the opportunity to get two months off every 12 months of our sentences for good behaviour, with the condition of being completely drug free with no instigation of violence at all, believe me, every single person will reconsider misbehaving and getting high.

But the decision is left to the prison officers who have daily interactions with us to decide. I don’t believe a prisoner review board who know us merely by our past behaviour is sufficient.

The only response I’ve gotten from my letters with this idea is that it would require legislative changes and not even the Minister for Corrective Services could give me someone to write to to change legislations. Hopefully you can help.

Thank you

To About Time,

I have been in the system a long time. I believe that we as prisoners should be heard a lot more.

I’ve written to nearly everyone available to us on the confidential mail envelopes with my idea that I believe will reduce drugs through the prison system and also reduce violence.

If we had the opportunity to get two months off every 12 months of our sentences for good behaviour, with the condition of being completely drug free with no instigation of violence at all, believe me, every single person will reconsider misbehaving and getting high.

But the decision is left to the prison officers who have daily interactions with us to decide. I don’t believe a prisoner review board who know us merely by our past behaviour is sufficient.

The only response I’ve gotten from my letters with this idea is that it would require legislative changes and not even the Minister for Corrective Services could give me someone to write to to change legislations. Hopefully you can help.

Thank you

Staying Strong

By Mel

My name is Mel. In July, my partner overdosed while I was locked up in Tasmania. The staff there were amazing.

Letters

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A Charity Fund From Inside: Even $1 Each Would Make a Difference

By Jonathon

I want to propose a system where once a week or once a month it is an option to donate to a charity from money from our inmate accounts.

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

‘I Continue to Laugh in the Face of Adversity’: Newtown’s ‘Dreamer’ Muralist on PTSD and Prison

By Andrew

'Nuff Respect, Kudos, and Vast Appreciation on your Magnificent, Pertinent and Poignant Periodical that just keeps getting better. WORD UP!!!

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

Autism and Mental Illness: Prison Isn’t the Right Place

By Garry

I would just like to mention a few things I’ve noticed around prison regarding inmates with both autistic and mental illness traits. Who says these inmates are right to go to prison and not a hospital?

Letters

ISSUE NO. 21

1 MIN READ

Welcome to About Time

About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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