An ex-convict has disclosed all the products she could purchase in prison, including Arnott’s Shapes, tins of Milo, and even jewelry, at unexpectedly low costs.
The woman was released from the high-security Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre on Monday and took a canteen order form as a memento of her time there.
The woman’s friend, with whom she is presently visiting, posted a snapshot of the order form on Reddit, displaying the large range of available things for convicts.
The extraordinary and comprehensive order form for Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre inmates.
This is my friend’s Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre order form. Similar to Uber Eats,’ the pal wrote.
You order from this list, and the products are deducted from your account and shipped to you.
The former inmate earned approximately $150 each week, which she used to purchase the items on the order sheet, as recounted by the buddy.
The 19-August-dated order form categorized the available items as follows: health and medical, hygiene products, haircare, underwear, stationary, cosmetics, jewelry, beverages, and chocolate.
Reddit users were astounded by the variety of products available and the facility’s affordable costs.
“It’s encouraging to see that inflation has had no effect on them. A greeting card for under $2. Bargain, normally $6 per copy at the local newsstand,’ wrote one Reddit member.
“Am I permitted to shop there? It’s cheaper than my local grocery store,’ commented another user.
A third user joked, “Holy crap, the majority of these items are significantly cheaper than outside prison, so I guess it’s crime time.”
The prison canteen charges $3.93 for a 200g tin of Milo, but Woolworths and Coles charge $4.00 for the identical product.
Additionally, a 50-pack of Equal sweetener sachets can be purchased by inmates for $3.65, but it costs $4.20 in supermarkets.
A 180g block of Cadbury Dairy Milk or Old Gold Dark Chocolate costs prisoners $3.35, which is $1.65 less than the price in a typical store.
Tim Tams are sold for $3.89 in prison, but cost $4 and $4.50, respectively, at Woolworths and Coles. A 45g KitKat is priced at $1.45 behind bars and $2 in shops.
Health and medical, hygiene goods, haircare, undergarments, stationary, cosmetics, jewelry, beverages, and chocolate are among the categories from which inmates at the Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre in Queensland (shown) can order items.
Inmates can also purchase birthday greetings and prepaid envelopes for $1.92, a silver cross for $6.36 or a silver crucifix with chain for $6.88, tinted moisturiser for $4.16, and a three-pack of ankle socks for $11.33.
Eraser and Natures Own Glucosamine Sulfate 240 Tablets were the least priced and most expensive goods available, with prices of $0.31 and $27.99, respectively.
One user remarked, “Compared to what commissary things cost in the United States, with their privatized prisons, it’s uncomfortably reassuring to see correctional facilities here not shamelessly profiting off the orders.”
Yes, some of those prices are lower than Woolworth’s, but I have no problem with it. The punishment is confinement,’ said another person.
The least expensive and most expensive goods available were an eraser (left) and Natures Own Glucosamine Sulfate 240 Tablets (right), respectively priced at $0.31 and $27.99.
Users joked that the absence of Vegemite and the availability of only international roast coffee constituted “cruel and unusual punishment.”
Others were astonished that convicts had to pay for toothbrushes and tampons.
“After the immediate comfort wears off, you realize that there must still be a significant number of incarcerated individuals who lack tampons and toothbrushes. One user stated that such essentials should be free, or at least near to it.
The inmate told his companion, “They do provide some complimentary toiletries, but not many.” The bare minimum to exist until somebody gives you money.
Toothpaste ranged in price from $3.37 to $7.45, while a Colgate toothbrush was available for $2.12.
A 10-pack of Poise liners can be purchased for $1.95, while a 22-pack for $4.53.
Daily Mail Australia has sought comment from Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre.