Recommendation 183

This recommendation is assigned to CSNSW.

Recommendation

That Corrective Services authorities should make a formal commitment to allow Aboriginal prisoners to establish and maintain Aboriginal support groups within institutions. Such Aboriginal prisoner support groups should be permitted to hold regular meetings in institutions, liaise with Aboriginal service organisations outside the institution and should receive a modest amount of administrative assistance for the production of group materials and services. Corrective service authorities should negotiate with such groups for the provision of educational and cultural services to Aboriginal prisoners and favourably consider the formal recognition of such bodies as capable of representing the interests and viewpoints of Aboriginal prisoners.

Context

The Royal Commission report noted the success and growing popularity of Aboriginal prisoner groups and coalitions in NSW and acknowledged developments in other jurisdictions including Canada. The Report also considered the development of Aboriginal prisoners groups could be a resource in terms of providing services to Aboriginal prisoners and a representative voice for interests and views of Aboriginal prisoners.

Detail of implementation

CSNSW facilitates Aboriginal Inmate Committees (AICs). COPP section 11.3 Aboriginal inmate committees outline the policy and procedures relating to the administration and processes for Aboriginal Inmate Committees including:

• Establishment of AICs 
• Appointment of AIC members
• Roles of the AIC 
• AIC meetings.

The AIC is a representative body of Aboriginal inmates and an integral part of correctional centre management. An Aboriginal Inmate Delegate (AID) will be appointed as the secretary of the AIC. 

The AIC is a Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) initiative that affirms its commitment to support Aboriginal inmates to desist from reoffending and acknowledges their family contact and cultural needs.  The AIC does not address individual inmates’ personal issues. Aboriginal inmates in need of assistance can seek the help of the AID.

The Regional Aboriginal Programs Officer (RAPO), with the support and advice of the Governor of a correctional centre, is responsible for ensuring Aboriginal inmates can make representations about their cultural needs through the establishment of an AIC. The RAPO will also appoint an AID as secretary of the AIC.  

In correctional centres where there is only a small number of Aboriginal inmates, the Governor may seek written approval from the ACCC not to establish an AIC. If approved an AID must be appointed and be a member of the Inmate Development Committee (IDC).

The AID’s position is a seven day 42 hours per week position paid at Service Industries Domestic – level 3 with loading as per CSI Policy Section 8.2 – Inmate Wages System. AID’s wages are: 

• Service Industries – Domestic $49.73 ($1.184 x 6 hours x 7 Days).  
• Service Industries – CAMPS   $81.23 ($1.934 x 6 hours x 7 Days).

The RAPO will: 

• ensure any Aboriginal inmate may be nominated for appointment as AID or as a member of the AIC  
• ensure nominations for appointment as AID and to the AIC are made known to all Aboriginal inmates 
• check records of AID and AIC nominees for suitability and consult with Governor  
• appoint an AID and AIC proportional to the number of Aboriginal inmates at the centre 
• coordinate and attend all meetings of the AIC  
• schedule and ensure the AIC meetings are held every quarter, or when a meeting is requested by the AIC or the AID. Where possible meetings should be scheduled for the upcoming 12 months  
• assist the Governor to supervise the AIC  
• coordinate the AIC and liaise with local management to facilitate cultural events  
• advocate on behalf of Aboriginal inmates and monitor outcomes of the AIC meetings maintain all documentation relating to the AIC in Electronic Document & Records Management System (EDRMS)  
• ensure all inmates in attendance and any relevant information is recorded on the Offender Integrated Management System (OIMS)  
• publish and forward a copy of all minutes from each AIC meeting to the Governor and Aboriginal Strategy Directorate as soon as practicable  
• provide the Official Visitor with access to the records of the AIC (AIC agenda, previous AIC meeting working papers and previous AIC meeting minutes).  

Role of the AIC and AIC members will:  

• maintain high standards of personal conduct   

• take an interest in issues affecting Aboriginal inmates in their area and centre  

• support Aboriginal inmates at the centre  

• assist local management to communicate with Aboriginal inmates 

• seek agenda items from Aboriginal inmates and, if necessary, hold informal meetings to compile a formal meeting agenda   

• publish an agenda to the Governor and RAPO before any AIC meeting  

• hold formal meetings, record minutes and keep records of all AIC meetings. 

Role of the AID and AID members will:  

• maintain appropriate records such as submissions, agendas, and minutes of meetings   

• cooperate with local management to support and address the needs of Aboriginal inmates received at the centre  

• direct individual inmate's concerns to the appropriate channels   

• assist Aboriginal staff to support Aboriginal inmates  

• support and advise CSNSW staff preparing or delivering programs to Aboriginal inmates.  

• where appropriate advocate on behalf of Aboriginal inmates  

• represent Aboriginal inmates and bring to the attention of correctional centre management at IDC meetings any issues affecting accommodation, employment, education, recreation, family contact and inmate development programs   

• provide feedback to inmates on matters raised at committee meetings  

• provide pertinent and relevant information on specific matters as might be requested from time to time by the Governor. 

Inmates are also able to utilise the Audio-Visual Link (AVL) system to connect with external organisations and share concerns or experiences.

Evidence

• COPP section 11.3 Aboriginal inmate committees (PDF, 563.5 KB)