My name is Mel. In July, my partner overdosed while I was locked up in Tasmania. The staff there were amazing.

I want to propose a system where once a week or once a month it is an option to donate to a charity from money from our inmate accounts.

'Nuff Respect, Kudos, and Vast Appreciation on your Magnificent, Pertinent and Poignant Periodical that just keeps getting better. WORD UP!!!

I would just like to mention a few things I’ve noticed around prison regarding inmates with both autistic and mental illness traits. Who says these inmates are right to go to prison and not a hospital?

It’s time to work smarter and not harder.

I had lived in Sydney all my life, but, due to some regrettable circumstances, a few years ago I was required to attend a Brisbane court for a 3-week-long trial, and since that time I have been residing in a Queensland gaol.

It was another day in the yard. Same boys, same noise. I was comfortable, as much as I could be considering the circumstances.

Yes, dangerous criminals should be punished for breaking the law – but should it be so hard to get on with their lives after prison?

I feel empty without them and I can’t imagine how my dad feels about me being here again.

After being trapped in a DV relationship and now gaining a record and PTSD from it, it has taken me quite a bit of time for me to be able to look myself in the mirror and recognise myself again.