The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to developing a Youth Justice System that achieves better outcomes for young people and their families, and keeps our community safe.
In September last year, this Government announced our intention to close the Ashley Youth Detention Centre in 2024 and establish new youth custodial facilities.
The 2022-23 Budget includes an allocation of $40 million to ensure work can commence as soon as design work is completed and suitable sites are confirmed.
This is about re-setting our whole approach to the Youth Justice System and that is why comprehensive consultation has been undertaken with key stakeholders, including young people, on our Youth Justice Blueprint discussion paper.
To be released in coming weeks, the Blueprint will set the strategic directions for the system over the next 10 years, ensuring we have the settings and services that promote early intervention, diversion and therapeutic response across the system.
Importantly, these new services and supports, together with our Government’s decision to raise the age of detention will ensure that a custodial sentence in Tasmania is truly a last resort
We have also appointed former Supreme Court judge, Shan Tennent as the Independent Chair of our Youth Justice Reform Steering Committee and Chris Simcock has taken on the role of Executive Director.
Mr Simcock comes with considerable experience in delivering new Youth Justice approaches and facilities in the Northern Territory.
Regarding our transition to new facilities, Noetic Group is exploring appropriate options by undertaking consultation with Tasmanian stakeholders, analysing data and reviewing best practice approaches from around the world. We will have more to say in relation to progress towards our future system and facilities in coming weeks.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to build a new Youth Justice System and we want to get it right.
While we are moving forward with our plans for new facilities, significant reform has been occurring at the AYDC already over recent years.
We acknowledge the efforts that many staff members at the Centre and within the Department of Communities have made towards a therapeutic approach and meets the needs of young people, while also keeping the community safe.
Our Government is committed to supporting children and families, engage young people at risk early and direct them away from the youth justice system, and help young people who do come into conflict with the law to become productive members of our community.
