NSW Prison Programs Have 'Little to No Impact' on Indigenous Reoffending, Audit Finds
A scathing audit report from New South Wales' auditor general has revealed that prison programs aimed at reducing reoffending are largely ineffective for Aboriginal people, contributing to a costly cycle of re-incarceration. The report, released last week, found that both adult and youth justice systems fail to provide culturally appropriate support, with more than 60% of First Nations adults reoffending within a year of release.
Cycle of Failure in the Justice System
The auditor general, Bola Oyetunji, stated that the activities undertaken by Corrective Services and youth justice have had minimal impact on reoffending rates among First Nations peoples. This failure exacerbates pressure on an already overburdened justice system. In December, the number of Aboriginal adults in NSW prisons reached record levels, surpassing previous highs set just six months earlier. Additionally, last year saw a record number of Indigenous deaths in custody, with 12 fatalities reported.
Meanwhile, the remand population has exploded, with an 80% increase in First Nations people held on remand over six years. Despite policy requirements for pre-release planning, the audit found that caseworkers often encourage inmates to make their own arrangements, and those released from remand receive no structured assistance. For example, a 19-year-old named Kevin was discharged from remand without support, given only an Opal card for transport back to his community three hours away, with no pre-arranged housing or services.
Rainbow Lodge: A Beacon of Hope Amid Systemic Failures
In contrast to the systemic failures, Rainbow Lodge in Glebe offers a successful model for rehabilitation. This program, mainly funded philanthropically, provides psychological support, mentoring, and temporary housing for men recently released from prison. With just eight beds, it is the largest program of its kind in NSW, yet struggles to secure government funding.
Stephen, a 34-year-old who served two five-year sentences for aggravated robbery, credits Rainbow Lodge with his turnaround. After his second release, he was referred to the lodge, where he participated in the Healing the Warrior program, designed and run by Aboriginal former inmates. "I learned a lot of stuff to help," Stephen says. "I'm working, I've been travelling, I'm playing cricket." He now lives in his own home and continues to visit the lodge weekly for support, describing it as family.
Lack of Indigenous Input and Funding Challenges
The audit report highlighted that none of the offence-focused programs in adult prisons were co-designed with First Nations people, while youth programs, though co-designed, lack monitoring for effectiveness. Claude Robinson, manager of Rainbow Lodge, notes that the report validates long-standing concerns about the system. "We know what actually works, and we know it's actually cheaper to do that work, yet it's so difficult to get funding," he says.
Rainbow Lodge initially sought co-funding from the state Aboriginal affairs department but was rejected as unfit for available grants. The lodge independently runs the Healing the Warrior program in the John Moroney Correctional Centre, demonstrating a proven approach that the government has overlooked.
Calls for Reform and Government Response
The auditor made several recommendations, including co-designing therapeutic support for First Nations people in custody and enhancing post-release assistance. Sue Higginson, the Greens justice spokesperson, urged the government to accept all recommendations, criticizing its commitment to Closing the Gap as tokenistic. A spokesperson for NSW corrections minister Anoulack Chanthivong welcomed the report, emphasizing ongoing reform and collaboration with Aboriginal communities.
As the justice system grapples with workforce shortages and security tensions, programs like Rainbow Lodge offer a viable alternative. With Indigenous incarceration rates soaring, advocates stress the urgent need for funded, culturally appropriate solutions to break the cycle of reoffending and support successful reintegration into society.
