But a scathing ombudsman’s report on the Investigation into the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria has still pointed to long waiting lists for education programs at the prison.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass found issues with access to education courses, including a waiting list of 157 at Beechworth.

She said alcohol and drug programs were only introduced to Beechworth in July this year in response to a higher number of prisoners serving sentences at minimum security prisons.

Ms Glass’ recommendations included increasing the availability of offending behaviour programs and trialing monitored online learning programs.

She also pointed to an evaluation of “youth units”, which recommended they be considered for minimum security prisons.

“These programs cover education, offending behaviour, personal development, leisure and recreation and employment,” she said.

The biggest problem in Victoria’s prisons was recidivist offenders, with the highest rate of 52.1 per cent at Barwon Prison, compared to 14.4 per cent at Beechworth.

As a minimum security prison, Beechworth Correctional Centre houses less at-risk prisoners.

“The evidence suggests there is a correlation between the maximum security prison locations and a higher recidivism rate,” Ms Glass said.

“The security nature of the maximum prisons generally means prisoners have less out-of-cell hours, and do not have the opportunity to access the same level of transition support and adaptation to more independent living as those in medium or minimum security locations.”

Housing prisoners after release was also an issue, with the report pointing to a prisoner who had been provided with accommodation in Wodonga, despite her son attending school in Melbourne.

Corrections Minister Wade Noonan said the State Government supported all the recommendations in principle and work was now underway to address issues.

“The unprecedented surge of prisoners has meant many offenders missed out on treatment and some left prison only to offend again,” Mr Noonan said.