Yesterday’s prison escape

Obviously yesterday’s prisoner escape is not acceptable. I am very disappointed and concerned that it occurred.

I commend Tasmania Police on their efforts to apprehend the prisoner.

I am informed that the Tasmania Prison Service has taken immediate action to address this security breach.

Yesterday the TPS began a review of the incident and what procedures or processes will need to be improved as a result.

It is my expectation that the Tasmania Prison Service continues to improve its performance.

That’s why we have taken a range of actions, including:

• The recruitment of 65 new correctional staff in 2014 and 2015, with further positions being recruited right now;
• Additional funding of $9.2 million to the TPS in 2014-15 and 2015-16;
• Engaging specialist expertise to provide advice on self-harm prevention in prisons; and
• Providing funding to the Office of the Ombudsman to undertake planning work for the implementation of a Tasmanian Custodial Inspector.

Any recommendations identified in the investigation and review of this incident, or in the ongoing Coronial inquest to deaths in custody, will be considered as a priority by the Government.
Vanessa Goodwin, Minister for Corrections