The Department faces a critical and multifaceted challenge in adequately staffing non-custodial services. Persistent vacancies, unrealistic staffing targets, and staffing ratios that lack rigour have undermined efforts to meet service delivery benchmarks and uphold the principle of equivalence. These issues are compounded by systemic recruitment and retention barriers, including insufficient funding, unattractive employment conditions, and inadequate infrastructure.
While the Department has initiated promising recruitment strategies through the Clinical Shortages Workforce Group, meaningful progress will require a stronger focus on retention, workplace safety, and competitive incentives. Without comprehensive reform and sustained investment, the Department risks continued service shortfalls that compromise the wellbeing, rehabilitation, and reintegration outcomes for people in custody.