Allowances and belongings

Allowances

Prisoners and remandees can earn wages while they are in custody. Prisoner wages include an 'unemployment rate' and there are different rates of pay for different jobs and activities.

Earnings can be spent on canteen (weekly purchase of selected items such as snack foods, toiletries etc), telephone calls, hobbies, and so on.

Prisoners and remandees have access to a telephone system called Unity. Phone calls are time-limited and may be monitored by prison security staff. Each prisoner/remandee pays for their phone calls by using an ID number (linked to a personal phone account).

More information about phone calls.

Property/belongings

Prisoners and remandees are allowed to have certain items of property in their cells. Any property not allowed in cells will either be stored in secure storage by the Tasmania Prison Service until release or can be signed out to an approved person at the prisoner/remandee's request.

Prisoners and remandees must obtain prior approval before visitors are allowed to bring in any items for them/or post any items to them. If a visitor is bringing in or sending an approved item, they must give the item/s to, or post the items to, Visitor Reception Centre staff.

For a list of approved and prohibited items, see What you can bring to the visit.

When a person first comes into prison it may take several days before regular contact can be made with family and friends. The best way for you to contact a prisoner or remandee before a visit or phone call is arranged is to write them a letter.

Last updated: 20 September 2021