NCJ Number
138036
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper clarifies issues in the debate on privatization in Australian corrections and assesses privatization developments thus far in that country.
Abstract
After a review of the history of corrections privatization in Australia and a summary of the attractions and potential hazards of such privatization, this paper concludes that contract management of prisons by private operators is a small but growing component of Australia's prison system. Although there have been concerns about potential hazards associated with private contract management of prisons -- such as accountability, the corrupting influence of the profit motive, and the possible disparity among the residents and conditions of privately operated compared to publicly operated prisons -- the impact of corrections privatization in Australia has thus far been positive. There have been cost savings and improvements in prison conditions and programs. Since the privatization contracting process requires correctional officials and governments to specify and clarify what they hope to achieve in corrections, corrections policies and their implementation are regularly evaluated. This has the potential to stimulate improvement across the whole of Australia's prison system. 21 references