February 19, 2019
Police Minister Mark Ryan has responded to a widely shared TV report about Queensland prisoners smashing TV sets in their cells.
“Taxpayers do not subsidise the provision of televisions to prisoners in Queensland prisons,” Mr Ryan said.
“Prisoners are charged a weekly fee for the ability to view a television.
“This generates approximately $1.2 million annually.
“Rental return for TVs for prisoners far outstrips replacement costs.
“In 2017-2018, for example, a total of $711,000 was used to purchase televisions, including the replacement of 1560 units for a range of reasons, not all of which relate to malicious damage.
“The revenue raised by TV rental is also used to subsidise the purchase of other prisoner amenities.
“If a prisoner does damage a TV, they can be required to pay the full cost of replacement.
“The prisoner can also be charged with an offence and or be banned from access to television altogether.”
