The 2017-18 Budget allocates $20 million, from a total program of $237 million, for 10 units to be opened across the state in July.

The Corrective Services NSW will create 87 roles to deliver programs annually to more than 1200 male and female inmates.

Inmates serving short sentences will undertake mandatory rehabilitation programs to reduce reoffending following the construction of a High Intensity Program Unit.

The 100-place unit at Wellington will focus on inmates convicted of domestic violence offences, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inmates and female inmates.

Nine other units will be opened next month at Cessnock, Bathurst, Mid-North Coast, Dillwynia (Windsor), South Coast and Cooma correctional centres.

The centres will focus on several areas including domestic violence with a prioritisation on male inmates convicted on domestic violence offences. 

Three units will be allocated to female inmates, and two units to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander inmates. Another unit – general violence and aggression – will provide high intensity programs to offenders with less than 12 months to serve. 

Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the government was committed to reducing reoffending rates and keeping the community safe.

“Participation in the high intensity units will be mandatory,” Mr Grant said. 

“Inmates will complete the course in four months, ensuring they are ready for release and making a better contribution to the community.”

Minister for Corrections David Elliott said the NSW Government investment meant CSNSW was now in a position to service cohorts of offenders that hadn’t been effectively reached before.

“These are offenders who keep returning to custody on short sentences that will now have access to intensive programs and services to try and break this cycle,” Mr Elliott said.