Corrections Minister concerned about increase in prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing

Figures show the remand prison population's jumped by nearly 800 in 12 months -- making up 46 per cent of the total population, compared to 40 a year ago.

With an overall decline in prison numbers, the Department of Corrections assures they have capacity for future increases.

Kelvin Davis says work is underway to clear court delays, including adding more judges, and improving rostering.

He's also introduced a bill to improve remand prisoners' access to services and therapeutic programmes.