As a candidate for the seat of Oxley, I believe that the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre should be utilized as a way to create jobs and provide rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners within our community. I am aware of the success of similar programs in the Hunter Valley, where prisoners are able to learn valuable skills and work experience, while also reducing their likelihood of reoffending. The Oxley electorate is currently facing a shortage of workers and I believe that this program can help to address that issue, while also helping to rehabilitate prisoners into responsible and productive members of society. By providing prisoners with the opportunity to learn new skills, gain employment experience and prepare for re-entry into society, we can help to reduce recidivism rates and ensure that more individuals are able to become good, tax-paying citizens.