The text of a letter to the NT News written in 2015

I believe our community should be slow in rushing to judge the ‘Prisoner for  a job’ program. As alluded to in your recent story ‘sentenced to work by free to wander’ (NT News  May 9), there will be some glitches in  the management and administration of this program.  However, shortcomings are sure to be recognised and procedures tightened where necessary.

In a Territory with extraordinarily high incarceration rates, this program is one that recognises the capacity of prisoners to be rehabilitated and acquire skills through work, while at the same time contributing to the NT economy. Any program which adds  feelings of worth and purpose for those trusted to contribute in the workplace, should be persevered with and not curtailed.

I know from experience that many of those released to work during the day are making valuable contributions to small businesses. This is particularly the case in more remote towns where local labour is either scarce or disinclined to work.

Persons included in the program have a chance to earn wages which are held in trust against their parole or release. A percentage of earnings are deducted to pay for the costs of their imprisonment, reducing costs of confinement otherwise carried at taxpayer expense.

I applaud the government for having developed and introduced this scheme. Employers who are prepared to trust low risk prisoners by welcoming their contribution also deserve plaudits. 

Rehabilitation and up-skilling of those who have offended against the law is a prime aim of this program. If they graduate from the scheme ready to add value to our economy, the initiative will be confirmed as investing positively in people and the Territory.