Time for an independent prison inquiry

Shadow Corrections Minister Madeleine Ogilvie has expressed her concern at yet another serious incident in our prison system.

“Labor’s thoughts are with the correctional officer injured in yesterday’s attack,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“Everyone has the right to go to work and return home safely.

“After a year marred by serious incidents, we need a thorough independent review of operations at Risdon.

“The Minister can no longer continue to play down each incident as they occur.

“Our corrections system is as much about proper processes as it is about bricks and mortar. Do we have sufficient resources, sufficient human capital and an up to date approach regarding rehabilitation?

“If we are able to rehabilitate people, and send them off in a new direction when they are released, our entire community is better off. We shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions and to seek advice.

“It is my view that a review is warranted, and that a benchmarking process should occur. Let’s look at what we are doing well and what we are not doing well. And yes, that may mean considering issues of funding and additional staff.

“It is not acceptable that people are unsafe in prison, particularly people working on site. It is never acceptable for violence against workers to occur. Violence against anyone is unacceptable.

“None of this is simple, easy or painless. We will need to look at culture, we will need to set benchmarks and report transparently to the Tasmanian people.

“As a community we have an obligation to ensure justice is delivered safely and with an end goal of improving our society.”
Madeleine Ogilvie MP Shadow Minister for Corrections