Nine applications for conjugal visits at the Alexander Maconochie Centre were rejected last year, with just 10 going ahead in 2011. The AMC said it had found 37 applications over the two years but that figure could have been higher as some files had been archived.

The Canberra Liberals have called for the program's end but Corrections Minister Shane Rattenbury has defended it.

''The program exists to keep family and conjugal ties in place and reduce the impact of separation experienced by families and partners,'' Mr Rattenbury said.

''Many correctional facilities have programs of this kind in place, as maintaining family-spousal ties helps with reintroduction to the family and community after release, and can help to reduce recidivism.''

But Opposition Leader Jeremy Hanson said it posed a threat to staff.

''As shown in the Burnett and Hamberger reviews, many of the programs established at the jail have been poorly conceived and poorly run,'' Mr Hanson said.

''Similar to the Labor Party's push for needle exchange, conjugal visits are more about a focus on prisoner rights at the expense of effective prison management.''

Mr Rattenbury said conjugal visits did not compromise security.

''The program is sound, but there are, of course, very strict conditions that need to be met. Last year, no applications met the criteria due to issues like safety and security.''