“The ‘Healthy Prison Review’ is damning. There is simply no other descriptor that reflects the extent of the failings identified in the management and operation of the AMC,” writes JULIE TONGS.

THE incarceration and recidivism rates of Aboriginal peoples in Canberra provide one, albeit very stark, example of an area of public administration in relation to which the ACT government is clearly failing.

And it’s one that we, the community, through our silence and studied indifference are complicit. 

The latest data from the ABS publication “Prisoners in Australia” reveals that the ACT currently has the highest rate ratio of Aboriginal incarceration in Australia of 21 and unsurprisingly, the highest indigenous recidivism rate in Australia, of 94 per cent.

What is particularly disturbing about the data is the degree to which it has deteriorated in the last decade. In 2011 an Aboriginal person in Canberra was 11.6 times more likely to be imprisoned than a non-Aboriginal person while the national average was 14.4 whereas in 2021 an Aboriginal person in the ACT was 21 times more likely to be imprisoned while the national average was 15.8. 

The ratio of Aboriginal to non-Aboriginal women incarcerated in the ACT in 2019-20 was 67.3, by far the highest in Australia. Overall, the ACT experienced an increase in the last decade in indigenous incarceration of 279 per cent, which was five times higher than the national increase of 59 per cent.

A very clear and deep insight into one of the major contributors to these extremely poor, Australian worst, outcomes is provided in the latest report of the ACT Inspector of Correctional Services, titled “Healthy Prison Review of the Alexander Maconochie Centre 2022”. 

The report speaks for itself, and I urge anyone interested in seeking to understand the extent to which the justice system in Canberra is failing not only those in detention but by extension the entire community, to read the full report. 

It needs to be remembered that it is not only an unreformed and embittered detainee returning to life in the community following the completion of a period of imprisonment who will potentially suffer the consequences of not having received appropriate treatment, care or training within the AMC but if he returns to a life of crime, it is the community that suffers.

The report is damning. There is simply no other descriptor that reflects the extent of the failings identified in the management and operation of the AMC. 

The inspector also reveals some Aboriginal-specific data that is very troubling and regrettably raises, at least for me, the spectre of racism.

For example, the report notes that in 2020-21 while making up 27 per cent of the detainee population, Aboriginal people were the subject of 55 per cent of all use of force incidents in the AMC. 

In similar vein while comprising 27 per cent of the detainee population, Aboriginal detainees accounted for 47 per cent of all segregation orders and 41 per cent of all maximum-security classifications.

The report is almost 250 pages long and I cannot do it justice in the space available to me but will attempt in the following quotes to provide a flavour of the report’s findings and concerns.

“The apparent lack of a structured day at the AMC and resulting boredom presents an ongoing concern for the OICS and is a matter that has been raised in a number of our reports. 

“With very little to do all day, many detainees have no routine or daily responsibilities and as a result lack motivation to participate in their rehabilitation and preparation for release. There is little incentive to get out of bed and participate in activities, which OICS finds entirely unacceptable.

“It is OICS’ view that in the years since first raising this issue, the situation has only become worse.

“It is a matter of grave concern to OICS that there has been no education provided at the AMC since September 2021 and only very limited vocational training. The absence of education can have significant implications for detainees’ rehabilitation and future employment prospects. This matter must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“Furthermore, OICS is concerned about the obstacles faced by many of the detainees currently enrolled in university courses. In accessing course material, conducting research and participating in course requirements.

“There has been a gross shortfall in programs delivered in the AMC over the last three years. Detainees are missing a hugely important key to rehabilitation, and it is exceptionally unfair to detainees.

“OICS has reviewed the list of available job opportunities and while on paper there appear to be a considerable number of positions, the reality is that the majority are menial positions such as sweepers and cleaners providing a couple of hours per week of work.

“Transitional release at the AMC is intended to support rehabilitation, prepare detainees for their return to the community and improve prospects for employment following release. The Transitional Release Centre has been either empty or close to empty for the last three years. The squandering of this important reintegration facility cannot be attributed to COVID-19.”

The OICS report is, as I noted above, almost 250 pages long and I have quoted just half of one page. I urge you to read the rest but be aware, it is not for the faint hearted.

Julie Tongs is the CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.