Private Prison Research in Queensland, Australia: A Case Study of Borallon Correctional Centre, 1991 (From Private Prisons and Police: Recent Australian Trends, P 139- 178, 1994, Paul Moyle, ed. - See NCJ-160698)

• NCJ Number: 160704
• Author(s): P Moyle
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 40 pages
• Sale Source: Pluto Press Austrialia Limited
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper examines the legislative and policy basis for the Queensland, Australia, government's introduction of Borallon Correctional Center, including the contractual and regulatory arrangements between the Queensland Corrective Services Commission (QCSC) and Corrections Corporation of Australia (CCA), and analyzes the perceptions of correctional personnel on the subject.

Abstract

Semi-structured interviews conducted with 56 people at the Borallon center and other agencies in July 1991 suggested that in the area of labor relations, the employees of CCA and Wormald were in a weak bargaining position and had little input into decisionmaking. The analysis also revealed that the profit motive dominated policy formation in the area of training and programs. However, inmate-staff relations were positive, few violent incidents were reported, and communications were open. Findings did not make clear whether private contract management will provide the impetus and mechanism for progressive correctional reform. Poor monitoring by the QCSC has resulted in a dearth of detailed information; such data are needed for a comprehensive evaluation of the privatization initiative. Tables, notes, and 28 references (Author abstract modified)