The most significant memorable event of 2018 is thanks to the ABC and my former partner Craig, whom was the personal catalyst for my Churchill Fellowship. The ABC investigated and ran prison related stories in the lead up to the Victorian State Election.
Sarah Farnsworth, ABC reporter contacted me. Sarah said she had been ‘tasked with looking at justice policy and the “tough on crime” approach being adopted by both parties – but the one thing that is always lacking in these stories is people who have actually had firsthand experience of prison and their thoughts…on what works and what doesn’t’.
Craig agreed to be the person with firsthand experience of prison interviewed and filmed by the ABC for the story. He was incredibly brave and fabulous in what he said.
In the week beginning 5th November Sarah Farnsworth’s story was podcast and broadcast on ABC Melbourne radio; shown on the 7pm TV News and then online. You can read and listen to them below.
Matters of State: Why is Victoria’s prison system failing?
Victoria’s ‘madhouse’ prisons are expensive, but are they making the state more dangerous?
James Oaten, ABC reporter then ran a subsequent ABC prison story he had been investigating that included post release aspects of Craig’s interview and my perspective. This was published on 12th November.
Inmate released in uniform prompts emergency phone call — and questions about policy
My eternal gratitude and thanks go to Sarah, Craig and James, and the ABC.
