Dear Department of Corrections,

Prior to the 2014 election, the National Party announced it would introduce a system of universal working prisons. I would like some information on the progress of the implementation of that policy.

My questions are as follows:
How many prisoners are currently working?
How many prisoners are engaged in study programmes?
Can prisoners be involved in both work and study programmes? If so, how many are involved in both?
How many prisoners are involved in a release to work programme?
What is the average number of hours worked by prisoners?
Of those who are not involved in release to work programmes but who still work in prisons, what is the average rate of pay?
Of those involved in release to work programmes, what is the average rate of pay?
How many prisoners receive no financial compensation for their work?
How many prisoners receive between 0-20c per hour for their work?
How many prisoners receive between 21-40c per hour for their work?
How many prisoners receive between 41-60c per hour for their work?
How many prisoners receive between 61-80c per hour for their work?
How many prisoners receive between 81c-$1.00 per hour for their work?
How many prisoners receive more than $1.00 per hour for their work?
Please provide all policy documents around the working prisons policy, its implementation thus far and any documents about the preparation of the policy
Please provide all written advice given to the Minister or CEO of Corrections surrounding the working prisons policy
Please provide all written advice given to the Minister or CEO of Corrections that has anything to do with prisoners working in the last 8 years
Are prisoners allowed to take toilet breaks during work hours?
Are prisoners provided with meal breaks during work hours?
Can prisoners call in sick to work?
What are the consequences if a prisoner chooses not to work?

Yours faithfully,

Ti Lamusse