NSW: Inquiry into NSW prison population starts today

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2000
NSW: Inquiry into NSW prison population starts today

A New South Wales parliamentary inquiry into the dramatic rise in the state's prison
population begins today.

The upper house inquiry, which starts in state parliament in Sydney, will hold hearings
at Emu Plains and Mulawa women's prisons later this week before moving to prisons around
the state.

According to state opposition figures, the jail population has increased from 5,000
to 8,000 since Labor came into power.

Premier BOB CARR has attributed the rise to a state-wide increase in drug-related crimes.

The Liberal Party inquiry chairman JOHN RYAN says Serious Offenders Review Council
chief KEP ENDERBY will be summoned to face the inquiry.

Mr ENDERBY sparked a furore when he claimed more than 90 per cent of the state's prisoners
should be freed.

It's expected Mr ENDERBY will be called to appear before the inquiry in March.

AAP RTV sb/ts/dmc

KEYWORD: PRISONS (SYDNEY)

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