02/06/2026
$128,692. That's how much it costs Queensland taxpayers each year to keep one person in prison.
The stats say just under half of the people released from prison in Queensland will end up back behind bars within two years. People who work inside the system often tell me the reality of this is much higher. And after spending years in prison myself and watching the same faces come and go, I'd have to agree.
For anyone new to the page, my name is Vincent.
Almost three years ago, I walked out of prison. And if I'm gonna compare myself to many others who've been released, I was lucky.
I had a family. A home. Didn't have to worry too much about money. I had a car. Most people will get out to FAR less.
Some walk out to homelessness. Some to boarding houses. Or couch surf. They have no transport, no support network and nobody waiting for them at the gate.
But somehow they're expected to rebuild their entire lives from scratch.
During my time inside, I spoke to countless men who had plans for when they got out. Men who were tired of this life, who genuinely wanted change.
They spoke about getting a job. Reconnecting with family. They just wanted a normal life. Then I'd see them come back...
Again. And again... and again. I remember thinking, "how many chances do these guys need??"
It wasn't until I was released myself that I truly understood.
How many times can someone hear 'no' before they stop asking? How many job applications can someone submit before they give up? How many closed doors can someone walk into before they start believing they're never getting through one?
Again, I was lucky. After months of applying and sitting unsuccessful interviews, I was like stuff it, I'll work for myself (though finding insurance nearly stopped me from doing this too!)
People like to get in the comments and say we should use our time wisely inside and complete the courses. Gain qualifications. Work on ourselves. Prepare for release.
Well one, don't get me started on the 'courses' available (or lack of), and two, what's the point if theres no opportunity waiting on the outside? What's the point of telling someone to change if every door remains shut once they do?
Because eventually, you can't help but start to feel that these are the cards you're dealt and nothing will ever change. And when that happens, prison starts looking really familiar again..
People say prison should be hard. The reality is that for some people, prison is easier than the alternative. Inside theres a bed. Food. Routine. Structure...
.. An IDENTITY. A SENSE OF BELONGING.
I know people inside who are eligible for parole RIGHT NOW but choose not to apply because they know they have nothing waiting for them on the outside. They know they will turn back to crime just to survive. How f*cked is that.
Now just over a year ago, two mates which I had met inside were released from prison. Both had spent most of their adult lives in and out of prison. Both were over it but just couldnt get anyone to give them a go.
Around the same time, I had a couple of mates who were looking for workers. I was a little reluctant to link them up, but you know what? They're both still working today. For both of them, this is the longest they've stayed out of prison in their adult lives.
Since starting InsideOut Pathways, we've seen this same thing happen over and over again.
Not because anyone was given a hand out, it was because they were given an opportunity.
And now after a rollercoaster year, what started as a post to help a few more people getting out, has grown into a registered charity.
Over the last year we've spoken with hundreds of people impacted by the justice system. We have also connected with employers, support services, community organisations, families and people who all believe that someone shouldn't be defined forever by the worst thing they've ever done.
We're not a job agency. People don't need to reach out to us. But they do. These are people who want to work. People who are trying. People who are doing everything they can to stay out of trouble and build a better life.
What they're missing is opportunity.
Today we have vetted candidates ready to work.
People with trade experience. Labouring experience. Warehouse experience. Hospitality experience. People with licences, tickets and skills.
So, my question to local businesses - Do you need workers?
Because we'd love to talk to you.
You might help someone keep a roof over their head.
You might help a parent provide for their children.
You might help break a cycle that has repeated itself for years.
And who knows?
The person you take a chance on might end up being one of your best employees.
And beyond helping one individual, you're helping build a safer community for all of us.
Every person who finds stable employment, keeps a roof over their head and stays connected to their family is one less person cycling back through the justice system.
After all, surely the goal isn't just to punish people... It's to stop them coming back...
If you're an employer and would like to explore giving someone a second chance, please fill out our employer expression of interest form:
https://forms.gle/zEfQApG4PTX8jQP59
If you're looking for work after prison, or know someone who is, complete our candidate form:
https://forms.gle/iBUDGi59pLxRGxpK9
Or feel free to reach out to us directly at
[email protected]
Let's create more success stories.
l&r
Vincent
