In this interview, Mia Schlicht appeared on Nine News Melbourne to discuss the IPA’s research on the cost of prisons.
All media appearances posted onto the IPA website are directly related to the promotion and dissemination of IPA research.
Below is a transcript of the interview.
Alicia Loxley:
The Victorian government is being urged to consider leasing out prison cells for interstate inmates to ease overcrowding around the country. The Institute of Public Affairs says millions of dollars could be generated, which could then be reinvested into crime prevention. Julia Passarelli has the story.
Julia Passarelli:
In a bid to unlock extra cash, one thing tankies urging the state to rent its spare cells.
Mia Schlicht:
If we leased out 20% of our prison places, Victoria could generate $290 million per year, which could then be reinvested into the criminal justice system.
Julia Passarelli:
According to the Institute of Public Affairs, Victorian prisons are 70% full, and taxpayers are footing the bill to maintain the empty space.
Mia Schlicht:
Over 2000 spare beds are here in Victoria, and it costs annually $220,000 to house a prisoner in each of those beds.
Julia Passarelli:
But Victoria is in a unique position. The IPA claims other states are tougher on bail and prisons are quickly approaching capacity. Queensland is set to max out this month. Cells in three other states could be full within the next few years. But even with new jails recently built here, Victoria’s not expected to get there until 2040.
Mia Schlicht:
Where we have excess capacity, we should make sure that we’re using that to that’s full extent.
David Southwick:
The biggest issue is not the bed vacancies, it’s that we can’t get staff to work in our prisons because they don’t feel safe.
Julia Passarelli:
The state government says it’s hired over a thousand new corrections staff this year as tougher bail laws take effect. An additional 1000 prison beds are also on the way, but there’s no plan to lease them to other states.
Jacinta Allan:
I will not be taking the advice of the IPA on this matter in regards to the operation of Victoria’s corrections system.
Julia Passarelli:
Julia Passarelli, 9News.
This transcript of Mia Schlicht talking on National Nine News Melbourne from 6 October 2025 has been edited for clarity.
