WA: Convicts to be put to work for pensioners and churches

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2004
WA: Convicts to be put to work for pensioners and churches

PERTH, April 23 AAP - A radical plan announced today will put low-risk criminals to
work for no pay at church groups, community organisations and local councils across Western
Australia rather than going to prison.

In a bid by WA justice officials to reduce the drain on the taxpayer of short jail
sentences, non-profit organisations across the state are being invited to bid for free
labour to be provided by convicts.

The Repay WA program will offer community groups, local government, churches, youth
and seniors' groups the opportunity to help by providing appropriate work for offenders.

Justice Minister Michelle Roberts said the plan would be linked to another initiative
to abolish jail sentences of six months or less, due to come into practice later this
year.

"It is an opportunity for these offenders to repay their debt to society in a practical
way, by helping out community groups to complete their projects," Ms Roberts said.

"The community benefits, taxpayers don't foot the bill and offenders are given challenging
tasks and skills development."

Last year offenders completed nearly 300,000 hours of unpaid work, valued at about
$3 million, Ms Roberts said.

She said the offenders would work on various projects including gardening and general
maintenance, to clothing recycling duties.

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KEYWORD: REPAY

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