Hi,

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I am currently serving time in a prison in Queensland. Many people here have charges which require us to complete mandatory programs before being released on parole from prison. The problem is many people here can only start programs well after their non-parole period is finished.

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At the moment, I have spent nearly four years locked up and can be released in November 2025, but at this stage, it’s impossible for me because I can’t get a start at the programs I need to go home, for lack of facilitators. In four years, I would think I would have had plenty of time to rehabilitate and the prison has ample time to put me through the necessary programs. But at this stage, it could be another two years. I keep asking to start the programs and they keep saying they don’t have enough space for me. I don’t understand. It’s unfair, as I have a mother that has lung cancer and – on top of that – has just been diagnosed as blind. She really needs me out to take care of her and spend time with her before she dies, but at this stage, I’m worried she might die before I’m released.

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Like many of us here, I have lots of family to reconnect with and a life to restart or get back to – people that need and rely on us.

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At this point, we struggle to even be released on our parole date while being a model prisoner, which I feel is our right. We need more facilitators or rights to complete the courses in the community so we can get back to our families instead of having to serve full time or well past our parole date. I’m sure this is not the only prison in Australia where this is occurring, and it’s not fair on all the prisoners serving time.

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Thanks for your time, much appreciated.