Prisoners who voluntarily participate in rehabilitation and other programmes will be awarded privileges, which could include a reduction in their sentences, Government Senate Leader, David Burch said yesterday.

And he emphasised that being eligible for parole was not going to be a "get out of jail free card".

Sen. Burch said that although it may seem like a small part of the Prison Amendment Act 2002, it is an integral part of trying to minimise the presence of drugs in jail.

He also said that provisions have been included to test for alcohol as well, because although it is not an illegal substance, its use is prohibited in jail.

He recognised that not all offenders will be able, or even want to rehabilitate themselves, but said the amendment was a move in the right direction.