The NSW Department of Corrective Services (DCS) has revealed a policy which bans ex-prisoners from entering prisons.The Justice Health Consumer and Community Council meets inside a prison for the first time ever on Tuesday, April 19th in the John Morony Correctional Centre, but the ex-prisoner representative will not be allowed to attend.
The ex-prisoner offered to be searched, including internal cavities, and only to speak when spoken to. Dr. Richard Matthews, CEO of Justice Health wrote to DCS on 23 March 2005, asking them to allow this "valuable member" to attend the meeting.
Although serving prisoners have been allowed out of prison to attend the Consumer Council, DCS will not allow an ex-prisoner to go inside, even in his role as an official consultant to a government department.
The group was established in August 2002 by NSW Health as a part of the "Partners in Health Plan", for the purpose of "Consulting and empowering consumers through seeking broad based feedback, as well as, providing an effective forum for consumer participation."
Contact: Stacy Scheff 9660-9111.
Justice Action 65 Bellevue St, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia P.O. Box 386, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia ja@justiceaction.org.au voice: 612-9660 9111 fax: 612-9660 9100
By Justice Action posted 20 April 05
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