To the editor at About Time,
I am writing today to thank you for all the hard work involved in putting together and ‘getting out’ the National Prison Newspaper that I received for the first time here in Queensland.
Just a brief rundown on myself:
I am a 42 years young Koori Man, from Wiradjuri & Tharowel country. I recently transferred from Long Bay Gaol to WCC in Queensland to be close enough for my mother to visit me (ie: compassionate grounds). This process took around two years and I had to provide many support letters and a statement of reasons to the NSW State Board of Sentencing.
I have been around the prison system, in and out since 2001, mostly in NSW.
To compare NSW & QLD prison systems I would first take into account that gaol is gaol and problems are always about the same. But here are some comparisons:
- NSW has a larger selection of weekly buy-up options
- QLD food is better
- NSW monthly buy has a larger selection
- QLD STP has better options: clippers, electric shavers, Adidas and Asics shoes and digital radios
- NSW has a parole system that takes into account low risk of re-offending and lack of opportunity to do essential programs
- QLD will not take into account the low risk of re-offending and the waitlist for programs is not a mitigating factor either
The biggest issue is the lack of transparency and continuous changes in direction.
I think that is enough from me for now!
Belly
