Scrapping of REO program breaches prisoners’ human rights

The cold-hearted Liberal Government, which continues to pretend that the Reintegration of Ex-Offenders (REO) program has not been cut, is shamefully misleading Tasmanians.

“It is a fact, pure and simple, that the REO program has been cut. Any sense that it will continue to be provided through Housing Connect has been completely shattered by the contradictory and factually incorrect statements made by the Liberal Government in Question Time today,” Shadow Corrections Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said today.

Today in Question Time Ms Ogilvie raised the Minister’s press release from the 22nd of May which said:

“Ex-offenders will continue to receive housing services through Housing Connect and, in fact, will have access to a wider range of services that better meet their needs.”

But that statement is directly opposed to a leaked Housing Connect agenda which clearly states:

“Housing requirements for Parole is a gap not able to be met by Housing Connect.”

“You can’t have it both ways. Either Housing Connect is equipped to handle the housing needs of parolees or it isn’t. The Minister must clarify her position immediately,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“We want to know why the Government is scrapping this vitally important program.

“The scrapping of the program has seen the number of prisoners who are eligible for parole but are without suitable accommodation increase. The Parole Board’s own annual report states:

“Stable and appropriate accommodation is an essential factor in the Board’s determination.

“Inability to access adequate accommodation is a key factor. It is fundamentally unfair that prisoners who need the type of help REO provides are now left hanging.

“The Minister also tripped up by saying prisoners could apply for housing prior to leaving prison.

“A Housing Connect fact sheet makes it clear that “you can only apply for social housing once you have been released from prison”.

“The Minister should stop allowing herself to be caught up in Liberal party spin and instead be upfront about what scrapping the REO program means for the Tasmanian community.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Corrections