12. SANDRA GOUDIE (National—Coromandel) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
Has she received any progress reports on the recruitment of additional probation officers following a $255 million funding boost in the Budget?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
Yes. The Government inherited a community probation system under extreme stress. Budget 2009 provided funding for 134 additional probation officers. I am pleased to report that 91 front-line probation staff have already been appointed. Funding was also provided for a further 112 probation officers who will be recruited in the first half of next year specifically to improve the quality of parole and home detention management. Public safety is the No. 1 priority when offenders are released on parole, and this Government is serious about fixing the probation system and improving the safety of the public.
What other steps is the Government taking to recognise the important role carried out by Community Probation and Psychological Services, which often has to deal with some of society’s most troubled people?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
It is not easy being a probation officer, and it is a job that is often under-recognised by the wider community. At my suggestion, the Department of Corrections has established a Minister’s Excellence Award to recognise outstanding achievement among new probation officer graduates. I was delighted to present the first award last week. It was also the first time that a formal ceremony has been held for graduating officers. It is important to recognise the important contribution that probation officers make to our justice system.