Dear Editor,
I am writing from Ron Barwick Prison in Tasmania.
I am concerned about the lack of housing for inmates seeking parole. I also would like to comment on the lack of flexibility when considering an inmate's application for parole.
The lack of housing is creating a backlog for inmates who otherwise would be eligible for parole. With all commitments met, other boxes have been ticked, inmates who have not put a foot wrong as they journey through prison and who are considered safe to be let back into the community, yet this counts for nothing if a house or unit cannot be found. Housing is in crisis in every state and territory at the moment, our federal politicians spend far too much time playing politics instead of working for the greater good. The housing crisis is affecting many families.
I do not know what options the Parole Board have available, I am not sure what constraints they work under with respect to housing, or how flexible they are able to be as they work through the parole process, however if for example a family goes as guarantor for an inmate, letting him or her stay in a unit behind their house, or a caravan in the back yard, as long as that family is considered appropriate why wouldn't this be considered? Especially older inmates who have a very low recidivism rate, who just want to be out of prison rebuilding the later years of their lives.
Being considered eligible for parole then not being granted parole is very demoralising. I encourage authorities to consider being more flexible in their approach.
Yours faithfully,
Patrick
Dear Editor,
I am writing from Ron Barwick Prison in Tasmania.
I am concerned about the lack of housing for inmates seeking parole. I also would like to comment on the lack of flexibility when considering an inmate's application for parole.
The lack of housing is creating a backlog for inmates who otherwise would be eligible for parole. With all commitments met, other boxes have been ticked, inmates who have not put a foot wrong as they journey through prison and who are considered safe to be let back into the community, yet this counts for nothing if a house or unit cannot be found. Housing is in crisis in every state and territory at the moment, our federal politicians spend far too much time playing politics instead of working for the greater good. The housing crisis is affecting many families.
I do not know what options the Parole Board have available, I am not sure what constraints they work under with respect to housing, or how flexible they are able to be as they work through the parole process, however if for example a family goes as guarantor for an inmate, letting him or her stay in a unit behind their house, or a caravan in the back yard, as long as that family is considered appropriate why wouldn't this be considered? Especially older inmates who have a very low recidivism rate, who just want to be out of prison rebuilding the later years of their lives.
Being considered eligible for parole then not being granted parole is very demoralising. I encourage authorities to consider being more flexible in their approach.
Yours faithfully,
Patrick
