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In Australia, prisoners can participate in work programs during their time in custody, which allows them to earn money while serving their sentence. These work programs are an essential part of the rehabilitation process, offering inmates a chance to learn valuable skills, maintain a sense of routine, and prepare for life after release. The wages prisoners earn are modest, but they play an important role in helping inmates manage their day-to-day needs within the prison system. Even prisoners who are not employed in the jail system will be paid a weekly wage, called 'yard money', which is around $15/week.

Why Are Prisoners Paid?

Prisoners are paid for their work as part of a structured rehabilitation program aimed at reducing reoffending rates. Working provides inmates with a sense of purpose, responsibility, and discipline, which are all key factors in preparing them for reintegration into society. These work programs also help prisoners build practical skills that can be useful once they are released, whether in securing employment or managing personal responsibilities.

In addition to skill-building, earning money gives prisoners the opportunity to contribute financially to fines, debts, or support for their families. It also helps inmates learn how to manage finances in a controlled environment. By introducing financial responsibility, prisoners can gain experience in budgeting and saving, skills that can help them make a smoother transition back into everyday life.

Prisoners are also paid even if they do not have a job, and this is so they can have money to buy food from buy-ups, and to make phone calls.

How Much Do Prisoners Earn in Australia?

The amount prisoners earn in Australia varies depending on the state or territory they are incarcerated in, as well as the type of work they do. Wages for prisoners are significantly lower than the national minimum wage. On average, prisoners may earn between $30 to $70 per week. The higher the skill level, the more the inmate will get paid, with clerk jobs and kitchen jobs being paid better. 

These rates can differ across states and territories. For example, in New South Wales, prisoners participating in work programs might earn slightly more than those in Queensland or Victoria. However, the overall earnings remain quite low compared to wages outside the prison system. The idea behind these modest wages is to cover basic needs within the prison environment rather than to provide substantial income. 

Types of Work Available to Prisoners

Prisoners in Australia can be assigned to a variety of jobs depending on the prison’s available work programs. Common roles include kitchen duties, laundry work, maintenance, and cleaning. These jobs are essential to the functioning of the prison and help inmates develop practical skills they may use after release. Some prisoners may also be involved in more specialised work, such as factory work, furniture making, or textile production, which can offer higher wages within the prison’s pay scale.

Certain jails have partnerships with industries that provide inmates with training and employment opportunities, further enhancing their skill sets. The complexity and responsibility of the job assigned can influence the amount a prisoner earns. More skilled work often comes with slightly higher wages, although the overall earnings remain modest.

What do Inmates Spend Their Money On?

Prisoners can use the money they earn to buy food and other items from 'buy-ups', which stocks a range of goods such as toiletries, snacks, clothes and TVs. This allows prisoners to maintain a certain level of personal autonomy and comfort within the restricted environment. For some, earning wages also allows them to save money, which can be useful when they are released and reintegrating into society.

In some cases, a portion of a prisoner’s earnings may be allocated to pay off fines, compensation for victims, or to support family members outside the prison. This is particularly important for prisoners with dependents, as their ability to contribute financially can provide some support while they are incarcerated. The rest of their earnings are typically held in a prison account, which they can access upon release or use during their time in custody.

Challenges and Criticisms of Prisoner Pay

While the idea of paying prisoners for their work is widely accepted, there has been ongoing debate around the fairness of the wages. Critics argue that the pay is too low, particularly given that many inmates rely on their earnings to cover essential needs. Some believe that the current wage structure does not adequately reflect the value of the work being done, which can create frustration for prisoners who feel they are being underpaid for their labour. When I was working in a NSW prison, it definitely felt like slave labour.

Additionally, there are questions around whether prisoner wages are sufficient to cover the cost of living within the prison. Although basic necessities such as meals and housing are provided, prisoners still need money for personal hygiene products, clothing, and communication with family. Some critics argue that the low wages can limit prisoners’ ability to meet these needs, creating a financial burden even while in custody.

However, on the other hand, paying a higher wage could encourage people to purposely enter the jail system, for a stable job and free accommodation.

Conclusion

Paying prisoners for work is an important aspect of Australia’s prison system, offering opportunities for rehabilitation and skill-building. While the wages are low, they allow prisoners to manage personal needs, save for their release, and contribute financially to fines or family support. Despite criticisms around the low pay rates, these work programs remain an essential part of the prison experience, helping inmates prepare for life beyond incarceration.

Have More Questions about Jail in Australia?

If you have more questions about jail, you can reach out using the form below. 

Ask an ex-inmate any questions about jail

If you have any quick questions that you are curious about, or if you are facing imprisonment and need some more info, please leave me a message below with your details. 

I am also available for telephone consultations if you need to chat for longer.

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About the Author

I served a full-time custodial sentence in several prisons in NSW, and I hope that my experience can help others who are about to be sentenced. All the information provided on this site is based on my real personal experience, or experiences and anecdotes from inmates I have met during my incarceration.

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