The Senate Employment, Education and Training References Committee was commissioned to examine the education and training of people in Australian correctional and juvenile justice facilities in the context of the Training Reform Agenda and then establish guidelines for their participation in education and accredited vocational training. Specific tasks for the Committee were to: establish a national agenda for the employment, education, and training of offenders which is integrated with national employment and training policies and which is consistent with UN conventions; describe the...  [+] Show more

The Senate Employment, Education and Training References Committee was commissioned to examine the education and training of people in Australian correctional and juvenile justice facilities in the context of the Training Reform Agenda and then establish guidelines for their participation in education and accredited vocational training. Specific tasks for the Committee were to: establish a national agenda for the employment, education, and training of offenders which is integrated with national employment and training policies and which is consistent with UN conventions; describe the range of training and rehabilitation needs of offenders; identify or recommend links and pathways between the educational programs in correctional facilities and those offered by the public education systems; determine the professional development requirements of custodial staff in their efforts to facilitate the learning process for those in custody; identify provisions in other government services which have an impact on the education and training opportunities for adults and juveniles pre- and post-release; identify the particular requirements of persons in custody who have an identified disadvantage, such as a disability. This report of the Committee's investigation includes recommendations directed at state and federal authorities and instrumentalities. Appended are brief overviews of the training opportunities in every state and territory as well as lists of those who made submissions to or who gave evidence before the Committee.