Tenders for more jail beds

I NCREASING Tasmania’s prison capacity is a step closer today with the release of tenders for 20 minimumsecurity beds.

The tenders call for the design and construction of two double-storey minimumsecurity blocks and a mother and baby accommodation unit at the Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison.

New Corrections Minister Elise Archer said the $2.64 million project would provide 20 minimum-security beds for women in the prison system.

“It will also contain a purpose-built five-bed motherbaby unit, which will include a day nursery,” she said.

“The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to keeping Tasmanians safe and ensuring criminals are in prison and not roaming the streets.”

The plan comes amid overcrowding within the prison service which is reducing spare jail capacity to a level not seen in a decade.

In June, the Justice Department got an extra $300,000 to deal with the spike in prisoner numbers and an additional $4 million due to increased running costs.

Ms Archer said the women’s prison upgrade was part of the $26 million allocated to the prison service between 2017-18 and 2020-21 to fund a range of projects and programs.

“The ultimate aim [is] not only keeping the community safe, but also allowing prisoners to rehabilitate and get their lives back on track,” she said.

The request for tenders closes on November 8 and the contract is expected to be awarded in January.