Two
Custodial Inspector’s reports, tabled in Parliament today, raise serious
concerns with correctional and youth detention facilities around Tasmania.
Shadow
Minister for Corrections Ella Haddad said the Hodgman Government must act
immediately to prioritise community safety and the wellbeing of correctional
officers and inmates.
The
Inspection of Adult Custodial Services confirms there are serious problems with
current facilities and staffing levels.
“The
Hodgman Government’s failure to properly invest in correctional officers is
causing significant issues for prisoner management and staff wellbeing,” Ms
Haddad said.
“I
regularly hear terrible stories from correctional officers and their families
about the state of our prisons, and today’s report confirms the Government
needs to do more.
“Lockdowns,
mainly due to staff-shortages, are happening too often and have a devastating
impact on staff and prisoners alike.
“The
Government is having more and more trouble recruiting and retaining people to
work in the prison system, because of just how broken it is.
“Correctional
facilities have not been quarantined from the Liberals’ $450 million in
cuts. I hope the report today makes Will Hodgman and Elise Archer take
notice – these services can’t afford any more cuts.”
Shadow
Minister for Child Safety Josh Willie said the Inspection of Youth Custodial
Services paints a bleak picture of security at the Ashley Youth Detention
Centre.
“This
report contains serious and wide-ranging examples of flaws in the security at
Ashley.
“It’s
important for Tasmania to have a youth justice facility that keeps both young
people and the community safe – so it is vital the Government acts with urgency
on the findings in the report.
“Young people and staff at Ashley deserve better from Will Hodgman and Roger Jaensch.”
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Minister for Corrections
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Child Safety
