Onesimus and Research

Onesimus was established following the award of the Churchill Fellowship to Norm Reed, who investigated the challenges facing families of offenders when someone is incarcerated and explored what other jurisdictions were doing to support these families. This same passion for learning and investigation is an important objective as we engage with like-minded organizations to explore new and innovative ways to better understand the challenges facing the justice system and develop best practices in the fields in which we are involved.

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Artificial Intelligence (Ai)

We are currently investigate ways to better use Ai to assess studies and reports on issues associated with the justice system and explore how to be able to have meaningful collaboration with other stakeholders.

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Some key areas we are using Ai to assist us in research are:

1. Review of Government Service (ROGS) 
   The report, produced by the Productivity Commission on behalf of the Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision, provides an overview of justice services in Australia, focusing on police, courts, and corrective services. The report analyzes spending on these services, outlines typical flows through the criminal and civil justice systems, and presents key performance indicators for each sector, such as re-offending rates, response times, and complaints against police, court backlog, and prisoner employment rates. The report aims to provide insights into the equity, effectiveness, and efficiency of justice services across Australian states and territories.

2. Tasmanian Custodial Inspector  (CI) reports  
   The Custodial Inspector is appointed by the Governor of Tasmania under the Custodial Inspector Act 2016. In performing his functions, the Inspector must act independently, impartially and in the public interest. The Inspector reports directly to the Minister responsible for the custodial centre on the treatment of, and conditions for, prisoners and detainees in Tasmania. The responsible Minister is then to table a copy of the Inspector’s report in each House of Parliament. The Custodial Inspector is not in any way connected to, or influenced by, Tasmania Prison Service or Youth Justice Services.  Since the inception of the Custodial Inspector in January 2017.  We have used the CI's reports for ongoing research.

3. The Palmer Report
   The Palmer Report was commissioned in October to investigate, examine and report on matters relating to the design, construction and operation of the Risdon Prison Complex (RPC). The report found that several factors contributed to the incidents, including a lack of clear leadership, poor communication, low staff morale, inadequate training, and an unpredictable and inconsistent regime for prisoners. Additionally, the report identifies ongoing issues such as bullying, lack of rehabilitation programs, and concerns about food quality and access to healthcare.   The report concludes with 39 recommendations aimed at improving the overall operation and conditions within the RPC. These recommendations include enhancing staff training, implementing a more consistent regime for prisoners, increasing access to education and programs, and improving communication between staff and management. The report included a recommendation for change manager for the prison and the institution of the office of Custodial Inspector in Tasmania.  This report is included in our research as many of the issues identified in this report persist to the present.  

4. Parliamentary Inquiry
   The inquiry from the Legislative Council Government Administration Committee 'B' aimed to examine and report on matters related to adult imprisonment and youth detention in Tasmania1. This included investigating the factors driving the increasing prisoner population, strategies to reduce recidivism, and potential innovations to improve the management and delivery of corrective services. The responses received from various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals, provided valuable insights and recommendations to address these critical issues, highlighting the need for evidence-based practices, increased support services, and a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

5. Corrections Tasmania Strategic Plan - 2023
   The Tasmanian Department of Justice has released a strategic plan for Corrections in Tasmania, titled "Changing Lives, Creating Futures." This document outlines the department’s vision to be a leader in Corrective Services in Australia by working with partners to reduce reoffending through an increased focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. The plan identifies six key priorities including improving lives and reducing harm, investing in staff, building environments for change, closing the gap for Aboriginal Australians, focusing on safety, and reshaping the organization. The plan details specific actions and measures for success for each priority, with the goal of creating a safer Tasmania through humane, effective, and contemporary Corrective Services.

6. Youth Justice Blueprint
   The "Youth Justice Blueprint 2024–2034" is a document from the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People outlining the strategic direction for the state's youth justice system for the next decade. The Blueprint aims to reduce the number of children and young people coming into contact with the youth justice system and improve the wellbeing of those who do. This is to be achieved by prioritising prevention, early intervention, diversion from the justice system, and a therapeutic approach to youth offending. The Blueprint also acknowledges the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in the youth justice system and advocates for self-determination for Aboriginal communities in designing and delivering services to their children. Finally, the Blueprint emphasises the importance of a trained and supported workforce that can deliver a culturally aligned therapeutic response to youth offending.