Earlier this year, new digital phones were installed (to replace the Arunta phones), with the promise of clearer and cheaper calls. As a result, STD and mobile call charges were reduced, and local landline calls were reduced from 40 cents to 30 cents. Time limits for “enhanced” prisoners were reduced from 12 minutes per call to 8 minutes. We were told the new system didn't allow for different times to be set depending on the user, though the CADL numbers have different time limits.
Early this month, a notice appeared stating that as of 1st November, all calls will be charged at 20 cents per minute plus a 15 cent connection fee. This means that all calls (whether STD, Mobile or Local) will cost $1.75 (8 minutes x 20 cents/minute + 15 cents connection) – for an 8 minute call. This is a further reduction of STD & mobile call costs, but local calls suffer a 583% increase.
Consider local calls. If we make one call per day, this will now cost $12.25 per week (compared to the existing cost of $2.10 (7 x 30 cents)).
We are encouraged to maintain contact with our support people, our wives, our families, and our friends. This upcoming price increase will reduce the amount of contact we will be able to have with our supports.
Consider the most disadvantaged in our prisons – the elderly, the retired, the disabled, those who have been declared as medically unfit, the unemployed, etc. These people are paid $1.50 per day for five days a week ($7.50 per week). Even including the Hygiene Allowance of $9.85 per week, these people only receive $17.35 per week. If they make only one call per day ($ 12:25 per week), this leaves them only $5.10 per week to spend on toiletries and canteen items.
They are being forced to choose between family support, basic hygiene products and the occasional treat on canteen buyup.
