Christopher Binse was released from Goulburn Maximum Security Jail this week after serving 13 years for bank robbery. Mr Binse will be conducting a press conference at Parliament House on Friday 11th February at 10:30am.Formerly known as 'Badness' and dubbed the 'most dangerous' prisoner in NSW, Mr Binse has become an advocate for improved rehabilitation programs in jails, particularly pre and post release programs and taken on Buddhism practises and philosophies.
During his imprisonment he has been leg-shackled and handcuffed for visits with family and in the exercise yard. He has also been denied contact visits and had community support withheld from him. Mr Binse was first imprisoned at 17 years of age in Pentridge Prison and has escaped from custody seven times.
"I was denied parole on at least four occasions because I was allegedly 'too dangerous'. Yet they release me with no housing or job. Do they want me to reoffend?" said Mr Binse.
"Rehabilitation and community support is crucial to breaking the cycle of offending. The re-offending rate can be lowered if prisoners have access to appropriate job opportunities, housing, and support systems upon release." said Kilty O'Gorman, a spokesperson for Justice Action.
Mr Binse has sought a meeting with Premier Bob Carr and Minister for Justice, John Hatzistergos to offer his experience to help government ensure education, employment, pre and post release services are improved to benefit prisoners and the wider community.
He conducted a survey of more than 140 of his fellow prisoners in C-Wing at Goulburn Maximum Security Jail, to highlight the need for more rehabilitation services. The survey showed that despite the willingness of prisoners to undertake rehabilitation and education programs, they were rarely receiving the opportunity and no incentives such as earned early release.
"Almost $1 million has been spent on locking me up. What a waste. Why can't this money be used to work with prisoners through mentoring, work and education programs to achieve better results for prisoners, their families and the wider community?" said Mr Binse.
By Kilty O'Gorman posted 10 February 05
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