FUNDING TO REDUCE ABORIGINAL PRISONERS REOFFENDING
2 October 2009
Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor today announced funding of $500,000 for the Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre to reduce Aboriginal prisoners re-offending after release.
The Making Good project will provide support to Indigenous men after release from the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre and connects them with local men’s groups and other organisations to help them adjust and reintegrate into the community.
“This project, Making Good, will address the problems faced by Indigenous men after release from the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre,” Mr O’Connor said.
“These prisoners have a range of needs when they are released from prison that are important to address to stop the cycle of re-offending.
“The project will address these needs by giving these men opportunities for developing parenting skills and accessing services before and after release such as health, housing, education and employment.
“The project also aims to help these men achieve greater self-awareness and enable them to take positive steps with their life choices.
“Programs that are culturally sensitive and address the needs of Indigenous prisoners reduce the high rates of imprisonment amongst Indigenous Australians.”
The grant is one of a number to be made under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) which enables money from assets confiscated under Commonwealth law to be returned to the community. More than $6 million of funding under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) will be distributed to community groups for crime prevention and Indigenous prisoner projects.
Media Contact: Christian Taubenschlag 0438 595 567
