December 13, 2022
Last week the Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial System delivered our final report to the Victorian Minister for Corrections, the Hon. Enver Erdogan MP. This now concludes the Cultural Review.
Our report, ‘Safer prisons, safer people, safer communities’ focuses on culture, safety, inclusion, and integrity within Victoria’s adult custodial corrections system. Examining both private and public corrections facilities, we considered two streams of inquiry – promoting the wellbeing, capability and safety of staff, and ensuring the system is safe for people in custody and orientated towards rehabilitation. Our report also has a detailed focus on cultural safety for Aboriginal people.
Our recommendations have been shaped by engagement with over 1,700 people with experience of the system. We visited every custodial site and spoke with leadership teams, staff and people in custody. We also met with a wide network of stakeholders, advocates and experts who have a deep commitment to improving the operation of the adult custodial corrections system.
Next steps
Following delivery of our final report, the government and the Department of Justice and Community Safety will consider the key findings and recommendations. We are also hopeful that the report will be able to be considered by stakeholders, staff and people in custody in due course.
Thank you
To those of you who shared your insights, experiences and expertise, I extend my thanks on behalf the Review’s Expert Panel. Your contribution – whether a personal perspective or empirical research – was invaluable for shaping our understanding of the system, the issues and the opportunities for change.
Help and support
If you are seeking information about support or making a complaint, please visit the Help and support page on our website.
If you have a question about the Review, please contact the Department of Justice and Community Safety directly by emailing correctionsculturalreviewresponse@justice.vic.gov.au.
Kind regards
Kristen Hilton
Review Lead, Cultural Review of the Adult Custodial Corrections System