By JONATHON HOWARD
QUEENSLAND offenders clocked up almost 120,000 hours of community service in the last financial year, delivering a $2.6 million boost to local communities.
Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said the work was performed by offenders from low security facilities.
“Our government is taking a hard line on crime but we are also working hard to assist those who want to get their lives back on track,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Prison is not a holiday camp, so there is no reason for inmates in low security facilities to be sitting idle.
“We want to make sure that those who are able, are out in the community making a difference.
“There are a number of projects offenders have contributed to throughout the past 12 months and the work does assist the community, whether it be cleaning up graffiti or helping with gardening and maintenance.”
Some of the organisations to benefit include Port Douglas Ambulance Service, Townsville Showgrounds, Beerwah Recycling Centre, Animal Welfare League and Community Meals on Wheels.
“We encourage offenders to develop a level of responsibility as they prepare for release and community work is an important part of this process,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Not only does it benefit their rehabilitation, it allows them to give something back to some very worthwhile causes.”
