Serving a prison sentence

Part of the Prison topic

Understand what to expect when serving a prison sentence in Queensland.

On this page

In short

Learn about what happens when you enter and leave prison. Understand the processes that guide daily life while serving a prison sentence.

What you should know

Specific processes guide daily life in Queensland prisons.

They define the:

  • conditions you live in
  • daily routine
  • type of contact you can have with people outside of prison
  • amount of money and types of possessions you can keep.

Entering the prison system

When you enter a Queensland prison, you will go through 3 main steps:

Admission

Officers will record your physical description and personal details.

They will store your personal property, including watches and jewellery. Only approved jewellery and watches can be worn inside the prison.

Induction

You will:

  • be issued with prison clothes
  • be photographed
  • be interviewed by a counsellor
  • be allowed to make a phone call
  • get an identification card
  • be assigned a cell.

You will also learn:

  • the prison's rules
  • your responsibilities
  • what to expect during your time in prison.

Classification

We’ll assess your health, education, and intervention needs.

This process determines your:

  • security classification
  • placement in prison
  • access to training, intervention and work programs.

Classification can take up to 3 weeks. After this you may be moved to another prison that better suits your needs.

Serving a prison sentence

Accommodation

Most cells in Queensland prisons are shared cells with a bed, shower and toilet. You are responsible for keeping your cell clean and tidy.

Possessions

You may keep certain items in your cell, including:

  • prison-issued items like toiletries, clothes, shoes, bedding and sometimes a TV
  • personal items like underwear, socks, writing paper, pens, a Bible and approved photographs
  • other approved items like books, study materials or a radio. Approval is based on location and security level.

Prohibited and restricted items

Some items aren’t allowed in prison including:

  • weapons, drugs, alcohol, or smoking-related products (for example tobacco, vapes, lighters and matches)
  • mobile phones, modems, scanners and other electronic communication devices
  • items that could endanger others or help to escape.

Medication

You must take prescribed medication under supervision. This can take place during a medication parade or at the health centre.

You can buy paracetamol and ibuprofen at the prison canteen or ask the prison health team to prescribe pain medicine.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on prison grounds.

Nicotine replacement therapy is available to help you quit.

Money and buying items

You can hold a personal prison trust account of up to $1,000 to buy permitted items. People outside of prison can send money to a prisoner.

You can use this account in prison to buy items like food or art supplies, or to rent a TV.

If approved, you may also buy items from outside, such as magazines, music or clothing.

You may also need to pay for damage to prison property or criminal injury compensation.

Money left in your trust account will be returned to you on your release.

Daily routine

Your day in prison will be highly structured, with set times for:

  • musters and head counts
  • meals, which are eaten together, unless you’re in a residential unit
  • activities such as education, recreation and hobbies
  • work programs.

Weekend and public holiday schedules may differ.

Phone calls

Mobile phones aren't allowed in prison.

You can apply to use the prisoner phone system. You’ll need to submit a written application with up to 10 phone numbers for approval. The prison will check the people at these numbers agree to receive your calls.

Calls are for limited times. Every personal call is recorded and may be actively monitored. Only calls to registered lawyers or oversight bodies are not recorded.

You must pay for personal calls using your phone account, which can hold up to $300.

Internet access

Prisoners can’t access the internet, emails and social media.

Mail

You can send and receive an unlimited number of letters.

All incoming and outgoing mail is searched. Legal letters are not opened or read unless officers suspect there may be other items inside.

You can buy pre-stamped envelopes using your prison trust account.

Leaving prison

Preparing for release

You may be released up to 7 days early to ensure you can travel home easily. If your release date falls on a weekend or public holiday, you may be released on the last working day before.

Before leaving, you will:

  • have your property returned to you—check it carefully and report any missing items immediately
  • receive any money left in your prison trust account.

Support for reintegration

It’s important to start planning for your release early in your sentence. You can access education and training programs and services in prison. These allow you to gain skills and qualifications for life after prison.

Speak to an officer if you need help planning for your release.

You can arrange a phone appointment with Centrelink staff up to 21 days before your release.

You may be eligible for payment, including a one-off Centrelink crisis payment.

Visit Services Australia for more information.

Specialist support

Let any organisations who were supporting you before prison know about your release. They can provide ongoing support and treatment. This could include Disability Services Queensland or Community Mental Health Services.

For more information see Support services for people leaving prison.


Managed by: Queensland Corrective Services

Last updated:
4 August 2026