Ms MARYANNE STUART (Heathcote) (12:48): My question is addressed to the Minister for Corrections. Will the Minister inform the House how the New South Wales Government is improving the justice system for victim‑survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence by engaging with offenders to lessen the chances of recidivism?

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections)(12:48): I thank the member for Heathcote for her question and for her interest in this topic. We are all aware that the past few weeks have been particularly disturbing and stressful for many in our community. That is why the Government is stepping up to address these issues with its $230 million package to enhance services and improve the safety of women in New South Wales. We have lifted funding for the programs that aim to break the cycles of violence. A few minutes ago the Deputy Premier talked about early prevention in our schools, but we must also make sure we connect with those in other parts of our community. That includes our correctional facilities.

In New South Wales there are around 16,000 alleged offenders on remand or convicted offenders in custody or under community supervision. If we are serious about ending family and domestic violence, we cannot ignore those who have already offended, and we must ensure that they do not reoffend. The New South Wales Government is ensuring that offenders can access the specialised programs they need to help to change their behaviour. Boosting evidence-based programs to change behaviour is a key part of this Government's action on domestic violence, including in our prisons.

We are bolstering the Corrective Services NSW EQUIPS domestic violence program with an additional $2.1 million. Through that program offenders will receive intensive ongoing treatment that is aimed at, firstly, explaining abuse and intimate partner violence; secondly, helping them accept responsibility for their offences; and, thirdly, developing the skills they need to change their behaviour. The new funding will extend and improve that work. We are keeping the safety of women and children at the centre of these interventions. That is why only specialist counsellors can undertake this very important work.

EQUIPS complements the range of in-custody and in-community programs we are already running to reduce reoffending. We will use every opportunity to stop offenders from offending again. Domestic violence offenders are at high risk of offending again, and intervening whilst they are in custody is an opportunity to stop the cycles of violence. More people are in our jails for domestic violence than ever before. There are currently around 2,900 inmates in custody who have been convicted of domestic violence offences or are waiting for their day in court. More than 13,500 offenders are on parole or on a community-based order. Sadly, the numbers keep going up. For domestic violence offences, we are also seeing the remand population increase sharply. It is increasing more than the sentenced population. [Extension of time]

I say those statistics in order to put it bluntly: This is a captive audience. If we are going to take the opportunity to intervene and change behaviour, we must also focus on our corrections facilities. In addition to behavioural change programs, we are working to keep victims safe through electronic monitoring and community supervision. Of course, some offenders will not change their behaviour, or they are far too high risk. That is why Corrective Services also works across multiple agencies on the Domestic Violence Electronic Monitoring program.

Since the program was initiated, more than 700 convicted offenders have been tracked. But electric monitoring is not the end of the story. It must work hand in hand with our Community Corrections teams. Our Community Corrections officers are trained to spot the red flags and, more importantly, to intervene before a perpetrator can offend again. I have visited some of our Community Corrections teams in parts of regional New South Wales, and I have been very pleased at their dedication to public service and to keeping our communities safe. Changing behaviour face to face is something that technology cannot do, hence the importance of our Community Corrections teams.

I know that all members have been shocked by recent cases and horrific events of violence against women. While those cases have brought this criminal behaviour into sharp relief, we all know that this insidious violence has eaten away at our community for too long. I am proud to be working alongside all my colleagues, across the Parliament and with our community groups to address this challenge. It is the responsibility of us all to address violence against women and children. The New South Wales Government is supporting victims and keeping them safe, and working to address the root causes of the violence. Corrective Services has a crucial role to play as one of the major points of intersection between offenders, victims and the Government.