The ACT’s Attorney-General Simon Corbell is belting out some hosannas and hallelujahs for the periodic detention scheme:
“Periodic detention has been successful in the ACT because of the relatively compact nature of the Territory, meaning people can regularly attend periodic detention with short travel times. In contrast, other states and territories have found periodic detention impractical because of the long period of travel time involved to attend a periodic detention centre in another part of the state.”
Periodic detention in the ACT has also been successful because of the range of programs detainees have been provided with when they are in detention.
“Unlike many periodic detention centres in other states, the SCC has offered four important programs to detainees, Cognitive Self Change program, Family Violence Self Change program, an Alcohol and Drug program and a Sober Driver program. These programs are valuable for detainees in addressing their criminogenic thinking and changing habits which have seen them convicted of offences.
“Having these programs in the periodic detention environment means there are effective opportunities for offenders to take up these programs while on detention and change their behaviours,” Mr Corbell said.
Periodic detention is also a valuable resource for not-for-profit organisations and the wider community through its work crew programs.
The question now is what has prompted this self-congratulation and affirmation?