Section 1: Chronological Summary 1970 - 2008

1969

Suspended Sentences introduced (s4 Offenders Probation Act).

Suspended Sentences were introduced, and within a short time, half of all offenders on probation received suspended sentences, substantially reducing prisoner numbers. 

Parole Board established by Prisons Act Amendment Act (No 2) 1969

A Parole Board was established, with new parole procedures, and began operation in 1970.  Previously, early release was an Executive Council decision, granted sparingly and attracting few applications.  After introduction of the Board, the number of applications increased, with an increase in both report and supervision numbers.  A new assessment system was also required, with the assignment of a probation officer to supervise each inmate sentenced to five years or more.

Women's Rehabilitation Centre opened 1969

This coincided with the first Female Prison Officers Course in South Australia.  Further, by the late 1970s, a wing of the Women's Rehabilitation Centre was remodelled to accommodate mothers and their infant children. 

1970

Remissions - Prisons (Sentences and Parole) Regulations 1970 Reg. 19

For all sentences of greater than 3 months, a prisoner became eligible for 10 days remission per month.  Remissions were now a privilege, whereas previously they had been a right.

1973

Prison facilities expanding

Along with the opening of Port Augusta prison, Northfield Security Hospital (E Division Yatala) was set up as the first purpose-built facility for those with psychiatric illnesses and disturbances or for those requiring psychiatric assessment and inquiry.

1975

First Mitchell Committee Report released (Criminal Law and Penal Methods Reform Committee of South Australia 1973-77)

This report was one of a series of four by the Committee, and represented the first review of the South Australian correctional system since Federation.  Recommendations covered a range of topics - from sentencing, abolition of the Parole Board, prison work, ‘mentally ill offenders', periodic detention, to renaming the Prisons Department ‘Department of Correctional Services' and to prison infrastructure.

Royal Commission on Allegations Made By Prisoners at Yatala Labour Prison 1975 (Commissioner Johnstone)

This Commission concerned complaints about conditions at Yatala Labour Prison.  The Commission's report ultimately delivered a range of improvements to the routine and conditions at Yatala.

1976

The Hub opened and introduction of volunteer assistance more generally

A day centre - The Hub - was established for clients living in the community, teaching social and survival skills.  This was an initiative of Probation and Parole Officers, and volunteers, under professional guidance, assisted with the delivery of programs.  Volunteer assistance in a range of areas continues today within corrections.

New Classification System

All prisoners serving six months or more had their classifications undertaken by a ‘professional placement committee', based at Adelaide Gaol.  This was seen as ‘innovative' at the time (Tefler 1999).

1978

Court Information Centre opened

The Court Information Centre opened, staffed by volunteers and managed through Corrective Services, to assist those attending court. This was later transferred to the Courts Administration Authority, and at the time of introduction, provided a much-needed service (Tefler 1999).

1979

Prisoner and Prison Officer unrest

Riots at Yatala Labour Prison were blamed on interstate prisoners.  During the riots, there were demonstrations in prison yards and fires were lit.  An industrial dispute by prison officers at this time made opening workshops difficult and restricted the movement of prisoners.

Childrens Protection and Young Offenders Act 1979

The Children's Protection and Young Offenders Act 1979 gave prominence to the welfare needs of the young person and required that issues of community protection and accountability be taken into consideration only ‘where appropriate'.  It signalled a to move away from a welfare approach to juvenile offending towards a justice-oriented approach - with South Australia the first state to do so.

1980

Escapes at Yatala

A series of break outs at around this time concentrated media and public attention on the issue, and led to a series of reviews (such as a Public Buildings Department study into security systems at the prison, the Cassidy Review, and Hornibrook/Lenton Inquiry (see below).

Internal review of systems and policies by Public Service Board

1981

Hornibrook/Lenton Inquiry into Yatala Escape

This inquiry sought to examine the circumstances of an escape by prisoner Tognolini from Yatala Labour Prison in June 1980 (having already escaped from Mount Gambier in 1978), and into security measures more generally.

Clarkson Royal Commission  

This Commission considered a number of prisoner allegations relating to improper behaviour, corruption, assault and security/discipline of prisoners.  Recommendations included closure of D Division at Yatala due to maltreatment of prisoners. 

Touche Ross Services Review of Department For Correctional Services -

This Review consisted of a fairly wide-ranging examination of the Department itself.   Major recommendations were set out in the report, including those relating to restructuring of the Department.

Community Service Orders introduced -

In June 1981, the Offenders Probation Act (SA) was amended to allow for Community Service Orders.  There had been much interest within Corrections in introducing this option for some time, as similar legislative amendments had been passed in other jurisdictions. 

1982

Further Inquiry into management structure at Yatala - Touche Ross

The consultants recommended a range of changes to ensure better leadership (through an improved management structure); better security (through a better perimeter wall); and more programs for inmates.  Staff required more effective training and accountability.

Correctional Services Act 1982

The South Australian Correctional Services Act was the first major piece of legislation dealing with the overall operation of the department for forty-nine years.  It included sweeping reforms and changes to the administration of the department. 

1983

Yatala unrest and riot at Adelaide Gaol

Poor morale amongst inmates at Yatala allegedly led to major prison riots at the Prison. There was also a full-scale riot at Adelaide Gaol in December of this year.

Prisons Act Amendment Act (No 2)

This legislation introduced changes to parole provisions, including entitlement to non-parole period for all serving 12 months or more.  It resulted in a dramatic increase in the caseload of probation and parole officers.

Prisoner Assessment Committee

The Prisoner Assessment Committee was formed to create sentence plans for all prisoners serving six months or more.  This initiative was introduced pursuant to s23 of Correctional Services Act 1982.

1984

Cottage Accommodation at Northfield Prison Complex opened

Northfield Prison Complex opened, containing the ‘Cottages' (consisting of accommodation designed to aid in transition to release for 40 men, residing in self contained cottages).  It was apparently ‘nothing like the State had seen before' (Telfer 1999).

Yatala escape

A mass escape from Yatala in June 1984 involved six prisoners, with one prisoner being shot.  This led to the installation of razor wire installed and an increase in patrols.  A new Industries Complex was also opened at Yatala at this time, an initiative which, in part, was intended to improve prisoner morale and stem the tide of escaping prisoners.

Public Intoxication Act passed

This Act decriminalised drunkenness, introducing options for police officers in their dealings with intoxicated persons and diverting them from the criminal justice system. It has allegedly moved away, in application over time, from its original goal of treatment (Tunks).

1985

Bail Act 1985

This legislation consolidated and refined various existing bail provisions found in different pieces of legislation into one Act with the hope that it would reduce growing prison numbers in South Australia.  Ultimately, this was not achieved (Gardner 1988).

1986

Adelaide Remand Centre opens

This was the first purpose-build remand facility in South Australia.  It was designed to accommodate one hundred and sixty-five men and women on short-term stay.

Home Detention introduced

Home Detention as a pre-release administrative measure through the Department of Correctional Services was now permitted, with the hope that overcrowding would thereby be addressed.

First community correctional centre opens in Port Augusta

1987

Cannabis Expiation Notice initiative

This scheme was introduced by the Controlled Substances Amendment Act 1986, and allowed adults detected by police for ‘simple cannabis offences' to be issued with an expiation notice.  Under the scheme, where the prescribed fee set out on the notice is paid, no further action is taken in terms of prosecution.

Domestic Violence Council Report published

The Council Report was released by Government with an extensive list of recommendations spanning all key government agencies.  It marked the early beginnings of domestic violence policy and legislation in South Australia.

1988

Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988

This legislation introduced substantial changes to probation, community service and pre-sentence reports, specifically setting out a wider range of sentencing options (including the option of community work in lieu of payment of a fine).

1993

Interim Report of The Select Committee on The Penal System in South Australia - Select Committee into the Juvenile Justice System and Young Offenders Act/Youth Court Act 1993

The work of the Select Committee led to a major revamping of the juvenile justice system.  New legislation was introduced (Young Offenders Act; Youth Court Act), along with a new structure and realignment of the conceptual underpinnings of the system.   It was motivated by community and media concern that youth offending was out of control due to a perceived ‘leniency' of the justice system. 

1994

Statutes Amendment (Truth in Sentencing) Act 1994

This Act abolished remission and set minimum terms.

Domestic Violence Act 1994

This was the first legislation introduced to tackle the issue of domestic violence - covering restraining orders, breaches of those orders, and, in 1996, prioritising cases of domestic violence in the courts.

Formal review of parole officers roles conducted

1995

First domestic violence intervention program established at Elizabeth Magistrates Court (CVIP)
The program, now expanded, works with both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence to address violence.
Mount Gambier opened

Mount Gambier was the last prison opened in the 20th Century in South Australia, and the first privately managed prison in the state.

Mobile Work Camps initiative established

Mobile Work Camps were introduced at Port Augusta for low security prisoners to undertake community work.

1996

First Family Violence Court established at Elizabeth Magistrates Court (Northern metropolitan area).

The goals of the court are to ensure that perpetrators of domestic violence are made aware that violence in the family home will not be tolerated; to ensure the safety of victims of domestic violence; and to seek to have perpetrators of domestic violence urgently address their violent behaviour.

1997

Throughcare introduced

Community Service for Expiation of Offences-

The Department began supervising Community Service under the Expiation of Offences Act 1996 from February 1997. The Act allows people to choose to undertake Community Service instead of paying the Expiation Notice. The Act is intended to divert people away from imprisonment for failure to pay Expiation Notices, including parking fines and speeding fines.

1998

Ombudsman's Investigation into prisons

Negotiated formal agreement with indigenous Elders in North of SA for supervision of community service orders

Case Management introduced

As part of the Case Management system introduced at this time, all new prisoners were assessed at the start of their sentence, with further assessments undertaken progressively through the reception and induction processes.  All prisoners, depending on sentence length, have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) as part of Case Management developed within six weeks of entry.

1999

South Australian Nunga (Aboriginal) Court established at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court.

This Court assisted in the development of similar courts in Victoria and Queensland, and was ultimately extended to other South Australian locations.

Aboriginal Justice Officers

Aboriginal Justice Officers were introduced at Magistrates Courts to assist Aboriginal people with court processes and sentencing outcomes.

Magistrates Court Diversion Program introduced (Mental Impairment)

For those with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, inter alia, a diversionary program was established which involved referral of offenders (of minor indictable or summary offences) to relevant services and programs.

2000

Drug Court Pilot Program commences

This Program commenced in May at the Adelaide Magistrates Court, and aimed to prevent further offending by ensuring effective interventions and treatment for participants whose offending is linked with drug use. 

Corrective Services' Declaration of Reconciliation

This Declaration reflects the commitment of staff to providing support and services that recognise the diverse needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Department's care and custody.

State Collaborative Approach for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

The Collaborative Approach was introduced as the key strategic policy framework for domestic violence in South Australia

2001

Victims of Crime Act

This legislation clarified and established rights for victims of crime.

Police Drug Diversion Initiative introduced

This initiative introduced diversion of adults and juveniles (who might otherwise be charged for offences involving use and possession of small drug quantities) to counselling.

Rekindling Family Relationships: Framework for Action

Endorsed as the State strategic framework to address Indigenous family violence, signed by all members of Ministerial Forum on Domestic Violence and key Aboriginal Elders,  the Framework outlines the State Government's commitment to work with ATSI families and communities to tackle violence through a community development approach.

2002

Justice Portfolio's Statement of Reconciliation

The Justice Portfolio's Statement of Reconciliation is a public statement of regret for the impact of past policies upon Aboriginal people.  It also contains an acknowledgement of the Portfolio's responsibility to redress the resultant over-representation of Aboriginal people as victims, and within the justice system more broadly.

2003

Government review of parole by Chief Executive Officer of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Reviewed automatic parole for offenders sentenced for less than 5 years under s66 Correctional Services Act 1982.  Led to Correctional Services (Parole) Amendment Bill 2003 (lapsed and reintroduced and passed in 2005) which inter alia reduced automatic parole to sentences less than 1 year, and increased restrictions on sex offenders.

2004

Aboriginal Justice Strategic Directions 2004-2006

The Aboriginal Justice Strategic Directions 2004-2006 provided an overarching Government framework to ensure that justice agencies, Aboriginal communities and other Government agencies worked collaboratively to address Indigenous overrepresentation.

Pilot adult restorative justice conferencing program at Adelaide Magistrates Court

This program, introducing conferencing within the court system, was positively evaluated in 2005 (Goldsmith et als 2005) (see Cannon 2007: 3ff)

Disability Action Plan (Corrections)

2005

Statutes Amendment (Sentencing of Sex Offenders) Act 2005

This Act reflected the Rann Government's ‘tough on crime policy', and imposed harsher penalties and control in relation to child sex offenders. 

Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005

The Act introduced short-term detention to respond to (imminent) threats of a terrorist attacks, similar to legislative provisions introduced in other jurisdictions around this time. 

Statutes Amendment (Intervention Programs and Sentencing Procedures) Amendment Act 2005

This Act provides formal statutory backing (by amending legislation such as the Bail Act) for the practice of directing defendants to undertake programs of intervention (also known as diversionary programs) and for the use of sentencing conferences in any court sentencing Aboriginal defendants.

Correctional Services (Parole) Amendment Act 2005

Introduced amendments which included restricting Home Detention and parole for prisoners convicted of sexual offences.

Select Committee Report - Youth Justice

The Report had a focus on Indigenous youth, diversion, case management, and prevention.

Report by De Cappo - juvenile justice - ‘To break the cycle'

Monsignor de Cappo was commissioned by the Rann Government to consider youth offending.  De Cappo made a number of recommendations, which led to legislative changes (including children being tried as adults for certain offences) and a Youth Parole Board.

2006

The Department of Correctional Services' Aboriginal Services Unit Business Plan (2006-2007)

This Business Plan sets out four specific goals, with an Indigenous focus, for 2006-07 - including to progress throughcare and deliver effective Indigenous custodial and community - based services.

Child Sex Offenders Registration Act 2006

The Act established a register of child sex offenders and prevented registered child sex offenders from engaging in child-related work, inter alia.

Summary Procedure (Paedophile Restraining Orders) Amendment Bill

The Bill sought to expand the court's power to make restraining orders against paedophiles, and works in tandem with the Child Sex Offenders Registration Act 2006

2007

Criminal Law (Sentencing) (Dangerous Offenders) Amendment Bill, amending Criminal Law (Sentencing) Act 1988

The Bill sought to impose a tougher regime for ‘dangerous offenders', including through the introduction of minimum non-parole periods where a relevant offence has resulted in death or permanent incapacity of a victim. 

David Hicks transferred to South Australia from Guantanamo Bay

Hicks, convicted of terrorism offences after detention in Guantanamo Bay for the same, was transferred to Yatala Correctional Facility in May to serve the nine months required of a seven year sentence.  Some issues arose in relation to capacity to hold the alleged terrorist (in terms of security).

2007

Offender Risk Needs Inventory introduced

The Offender Risk Needs Inventory- Revised (ORNI-R) was introduced to Corrections as a risk assessment tool.