Neustart association warns of security risks from probation service cuts

Background: Cuts in the justice budget

The background to the debate is the double budget presented on Wednesday by the Austrian federal government. It cuts funding for the probation service, while funds for the prison system are "increased in line with inflation-related cost increases in personnel and material expenses," according to the budget. No increase in staffing positions in the justice sector is planned. "Im Bereich der Justiz hält das am Mittwoch präsentierte Doppelbudget keine merkbaren Entlastungen bereit," it says in a statement.

Concretely, the planned funding is to fall by around 2.4 million euros compared to 2026. Kohlberger said he was willing to contribute to budget consolidation: "Uns war von Anfang an klar, dass auch wir einen Beitrag zur Konsolidierung des Budgets leisten müssen. Dazu sind wir auch bereit." However, the cuts at the planned level are no longer compatible with the association's tasks.

If the plans are implemented unchanged, a reduction in staff at the Neustart association is likely, according to Kohlberger. The association employs a total of 1,750 full-time and volunteer staff and has been active in offender, victim, and prevention work since 1957. A reduction in personnel would, in the association's assessment, lower the quality of supervision and jeopardize reintegration.

Warning to the public

The warning is explicitly directed at the general public. "Verein Neustart warnt vor Folgen für die Allgemeinheit," the press release states. If fewer people can receive intensive supervision, the risk of reoffending rises, and with it the likelihood of new crimes. As a result, the savings in one area would, in the medium term, cause higher costs elsewhere – for example, in the prison system or police work.

The discussion fits into a broader debate about priorities in the justice budget. While the prison system receives more funding due to inflation, the probation service is being cut – although, according to experts, it provides comparatively cost-effective prevention. The Neustart association is therefore calling for an adjustment of funds to ensure the supervision of its 12,600 clients.

Outlook on the budget negotiations

The final decision on the double budget lies with the National Council. Until then, both the Neustart association and other civil society organizations intend to point out the risks of the planned cuts. The budget draft does not provide for additional staffing positions in the justice sector, which further heightens the concern of probation officers.

Overall, the association is open to discussions, but clear on the substance. It is aware of the need for budget consolidation, Kohlberger said, but this must be distributed fairly. A weakening of the probation service would endanger the safety of all citizens, and from the association's perspective, the cuts should therefore be reconsidered.

The coming weeks will show whether political decision-makers will respond to the warnings. Until the budget is adopted, the Neustart association expects an intense debate about the role of the probation service in Austria's security architecture.