Does the Minister consider that increasing prison populations may place greater pressure on staff and prison systems, including integrity and anti‑corruption controls?

Answer

This Government puts victims at the heart of the criminal justice system. After removing the target for a 30 per cent decrease, set by a previous Government, the prison population has plainly increased. That is why we are investing significantly in additional frontline staff and prison capacity, with further investment that the Member will have noted in Budget 2026. I consider the maintenance of safety and security in our prisons to be of paramount importance. My expectation is that Corrections has robust processes and controls in place to manage integrity and corruption risks.