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Prison Industries

Prisoners' requirement to work

Generally, all sentenced prisoners under 65 years of age are encouraged to work unless medically unfit to do so.

Prisoners, including those with disabilities and special security needs, are generally provided with the opportunity to work for at least 60 hours a fortnight, although some exceptions exist based on a prison's profile.  The Corrections Commissioner sets the rate that prisoners are paid for this work. Remand prisoners are also given the opportunity to work.

Types of work

Prison industries involve work contracted from outside the prison and through service type industries. Employment in a prison industry emphasises developing work habits and skills that will help a prisoner to gain employment when released. Prisoners often undertake a vocational training program that is relevant to their prison work to gain qualifications that are recognised in the labour market outside the prison.

The range of industries offered varies from prison to prison but common examples include metal fabrication, manufacture of timber products, agriculture and horticulture programs.

Some prisoners also work in facility services such as the kitchen, laundry, cleaning, maintenance and gardening. Where possible, the types of industries provided reflect market trends and industry needs.

Community work

Prisoners who have a minimum security classification can work in the community. In some cases the prison will have contracts for work such as reforestation, minimising erosion and creating green corridors through joint ventures with Landcare.