Offenders to work with RSL

Albany Returned and Services League sub-branch president Peter Aspinall has welcomed a State Government initiative to make criminal offenders work alongside diggers as part of their rehabilitation.

On Monday, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Corrective Services Minister Terry Redman and RSL State president Bill Gaynor, marking the beginning of the Repay WA program.

Repay WA aims to install values, community spirit and citizenship into offenders by offering them the chance to clean up war memorials and help out with the maintenance and upkeep of RSL clubs.

Mr Aspinall said he would meet with other RSL sub-branch presidents next week in Perth to discuss implications and opportunities the program could offer.

“I think it’s a wonderful concept,” he said.

“If there is any way the Albany RSL can contribute and engage with the guidance of the DCS then we would be delighted to help.

Minister Redman said the program had been embraced by the State RSL and was confident it would be similarly received by sub-branches across WA.

“This has real merit and real opportunities and I’m confident sub-branches in and around Albany will embrace this,” Mr Redman said.

“It’s not only about assisting RSL clubs, it’s also about giving an opportunity for our returned servicemen and women to help mentor and inject community and citizenship values into offenders, some of whom have a disrespect for any form of government-based authority.

“When some of these offenders are mentored by diggers, we are hopeful that there could be a marked change in their willingness to listen, learn and to help in the community.

“Who better and who more credentialed than our returned servicemen and women to help mentor offenders on the values of citizenship, responsibility and community.”

Mr Redman assured the public only prisoners deemed safe enough would be eligible to participate in the program through supervised release orders.

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