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Letters

“Remotely” Frustrating

By
Jeffery

Jeffery writes from Woodford Correctional Centre in Queensland.

Willy Pleasance

I am new to the prison system and am a little over the age of retirement.

One particular issue that frustrates, not only the elderly but all (most) of the inmates here at Woodfood Correctional Centre (W.C.C), is that we are not permitted to possess TV remote controls. It defies fairness and equality that other QLD prisons (and their inmates) have an entitlement to have remote controls for their 450mm (18 inches) TV sets.

Consideration of the following points by the prison management of W.C.C could be that:

  1. Other prisons allow remotes;
  2. Increases in inmate numbers justify a little increase in cell-sharing comfort;
  3. A lot of prisoners are either:
    • On remand;
    • Low classification;
    • Are awaiting release: pending bail, parole or the like;
    • A number of disabled inmates with physical or mental problems.
  4. W.C.C can apply privilege and/or entitlement in relation to inmates’ behaviour and/or classification; and
  5. Inmates incur the costs.

P.A.C. (Prisoner Advisor Committee) meetings between the prisoner representatives and prison management representatives have been unproductive for the past year about this.

All we are asking for is a basic improvement to our living conditions and a definite morale booster for deserving inmates.

Note: without remotes, certain functions are wasted/not available.

Yours sincerely,

Jeffery

I am new to the prison system and am a little over the age of retirement.

One particular issue that frustrates, not only the elderly but all (most) of the inmates here at Woodfood Correctional Centre (W.C.C), is that we are not permitted to possess TV remote controls. It defies fairness and equality that other QLD prisons (and their inmates) have an entitlement to have remote controls for their 450mm (18 inches) TV sets.

Consideration of the following points by the prison management of W.C.C could be that:

  1. Other prisons allow remotes;
  2. Increases in inmate numbers justify a little increase in cell-sharing comfort;
  3. A lot of prisoners are either:
    • On remand;
    • Low classification;
    • Are awaiting release: pending bail, parole or the like;
    • A number of disabled inmates with physical or mental problems.
  4. W.C.C can apply privilege and/or entitlement in relation to inmates’ behaviour and/or classification; and
  5. Inmates incur the costs.

P.A.C. (Prisoner Advisor Committee) meetings between the prisoner representatives and prison management representatives have been unproductive for the past year about this.

All we are asking for is a basic improvement to our living conditions and a definite morale booster for deserving inmates.

Note: without remotes, certain functions are wasted/not available.

Yours sincerely,

Jeffery

This
letter
was originally printed in the
May 2025
edition of About Time.
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