Taxpayers fork out almost $900k to fix or replace prison amenities

Prisoners are costing tax payers almost 1 million dollars a year in property repairs and replacements, figures show.

Taxpayers have forked out up to $898,000 to fix furniture, windows, light fittings. A hefty chunk of the bill – about $300,000 – funded more than 2,000 new televisions in 2017 alone, 9 News reported.     

This figure has grown 60 per cent in the last two years. In the 2016-17 financial year taxpayers spent $741,000, up from $560,000 from the previous year.  

Queensland prisoners are racking up bills in excess of $800,000 annually for repair bills alone which is by 60% in just the last two years alone

The Queensland opposition party also believes that the sky rocketing costs are a direct result of overcrowding in Queensland prisons after startling data showed that 37.5% of the state's prions have more inmates than they do permanent beds

The Queensland opposition party also believes that the sky rocketing costs are a direct result of overcrowding in Queensland prisons after startling data showed that 37.5% of the state’s prions have more inmates than they do permanent beds

Opposition spokeswoman Ros Bates argued that the figure is unacceptable and that prisoners are forgetting where they are.

‘You’re in prison for a reason, it’s not an Airbnb,’ she said. 

The opposition party told the publication it believes the sky rocketing costs are a direct result of overcrowding in Queensland prisons, after startling data showed that 37.5 per cent of the state’s prions have more inmates than they do permanent beds.

Former Brisbane prison guard Hans Andersen told 9 News prisoners have no respect for property.

‘When it’s not their property they don’t respect it,’ he said. 

‘They damage things by hiding stuff, mattresses get damaged because they [hide] stuff in mattresses, pillow.’ 

Queensland Corrective Services released an official statement saying it was in the process of addressing the issue and would be installing ‘1,000 purpose-built bunk beds in high security facilities’. 

Queensland Corrective Services released an official statement saying it was in the process of addressing the issue and would be installing '1,000 purpose-built bunk beds in high security facilities'

Queensland Corrective Services released an official statement saying it was in the process of addressing the issue and would be installing ‘1,000 purpose-built bunk beds in high security facilities’



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