The construction of a new jail will lead to longer sentences as stated by the ACT Corrective Services own website. "It would also be naive to suggest that the establishment of a correctional facility would not lead to increased rates of imprisonment of ACT offenders." (ACT Corrective Services website, April 2006.) This will undoubtedly lead to an increase in crime in the ACT. It is well known that jails are colleges of crime that often leave prisoners unable to meet public expectations upon release which leads to re-offending.

We believe the ACT, prisoners and their families would be better served

• by the huge sum of $130 million being redirected into schools, health, drug rehab services and mentoring services.
• by the establishment of a free and reliable bus service (funded by the ACT gvt) to transport families to see their loved ones, to ensure families are supported in retaining links with their loved ones who are in jail
• by reaching an agreement with NSW corrective services that ACT prisoners be held only in jails closest to the ACT. These jails are only a 1-2 hour drive.

A well resourced education system is a great tool in ensuring the next generation is engaged and has access to opportunities instead of a well resourced criminal justice system that leads to more crime, longer sentences and people disengaged from their society.