More offenders are set to be tracked by electronic monitoring bracelets, including inmates who are temporarily released from jail for work or hospital visits.
Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of legislation yesterday, which allows real-time monitoring for a broader range of sentences.
Until now, the electronic bracelets could only be used to track people on home or community detention, or for some high-risk criminals if a court ordered it.
The law change will expand the use of electronic monitoring to people who are temporarily released from jail and to those who are on "intensive supervision" conditions in the community.
It will also clarify that the bracelets can be used for inmates who go outside prison, such as people who are moved into their own units or are admitted to hospital.