VALUES
& VISION
The
need for a statewide network of organisations and individuals
focused on improving the situation of prisoners was recognized
following a series of seven statewide forums in 2005 that were
attended by approximately 700 persons. As a result of the need
for advocacy on these issues, the State INCorrections Network
was formed.
Strengthening
Society
Every individual has the right to have their basic needs met,
such as safe, appropriate and accessible housing, health care
and food. SIN recognizes complex connections between poverty,
race, mental illness and incarceration. SIN supports initiatives
aimed at increasing education, health and social services instead
of building more prisons.
Mission
A coalition working together around issues of incarceration
and release for the benefit and safety of the whole community.
VALUES-
WHAT WE BELEIVE
Decarceration
The reduction in prisoner numbers is an important step towards
creating a society that is safer and more equal. Increasing
prisoner numbers is neither effective nor efficient criminal
policy and a new way is called for. SIN does not support the
building of additional prisons in Qld.
Gradual
Release / Community Resourcing
Gradual progression and release is an essential part of best
practice release strategy. In order to achieve this, complex
post release needs must be adequately catered for and prioritized.
The work provided by the community sector in pre and post release
should be adequately covered in funding arrangements that reflect
their time spent.
Indigenous
Incarceration
SIN recognizes the disproportionate incarceration rates of Indigenous
Australians as unacceptable and supports solutions that will
reduce the number of Indigenous prisoners. SIN recognises the
work of Community Justice Groups in finding such solutions.
Human
Rights
INCorrections Network INC supports the implementation of Human
Rights documents, including:
UN
Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (UNSMR),
UN Body of Principles for the Protection of all Persons under
Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment
UN Standard Minimum Rules for Non-custodial Measures (The Tokyo
Rules);
Standard guidelines for corrections in Australia 1996 (SGCA);
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR);
and
International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(ICESCR)
Departmental Accountability
Government departments should operate in a culture of transparency,
accountability and openness. SIN will advocate for reforms aimed
at increasing the presence of these factors in departmental
dealings.
Visions
- How we achieve
To
advocate for the production and effective implementation of
relevant reports on prison issues, including the effective implementation
of the following reports:
-
Kennedy Report 1988;
- Royal Commission in Aboriginal Deaths in Custody 1990;
- INCorrections Report 2001; and
- ADCQ Women in Prison Report 2006
To monitor and enhance the implementation of human rights in
Queensland, recognizing the interconnected nature of civil and
political rights with economic social and cultural rights.
To develop the diversity and size of the network.
To increase the capacity of the community through information
and resource sharing.
To facilitate the participation and the collective self advocacy
of persons who have lived experience with the criminal justice
system, both in the network and in the wider community.
To utilize a combined political voice that is stronger than
the sum of its parts to advocate and achieve long term social
change in accordance with stated values.
To support and encourage the development of alternative ways
of meeting the rights and needs of persons in the criminal justice
system and their families.
To function in a manner consistent with the values of the network.