Elise Archer,Attorney-General and Minister for Corrections
The Tasmanian Government is committed to keeping Tasmanians connected through the challenges faced by COVID-19.
More than 170 inmates at the Risdon Prison facility have now been able to connect with family and friends through virtual visits since the Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) introduced the technology solution as part of our response to the coronavirus pandemic.
One inmate has even had a virtual visit from his family in the US, the first time he has seen them in over two years.
To date, a total of 421 virtual visits have been facilitated under the strict supervision of TPS staff.
The virtual visits are in addition to the Email A Prisoner service, which enables family and friends to write to prisoners electronically while personal visits are suspended due to COVID-19.
We understand that staying connected to loved ones is important for prisoners’ mental health and wellbeing as well as rehabilitation, and I commend TPS staff on their willingness to embrace these new processes.
