Ashley Youth Detention Centre report

The Hodgman Liberal Government has taken decisive action in light of concerns raised about a staff members’ conduct at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC), and that is why we are publicly releasing the conclusion of the report today.

The safety of the detainees and staff is paramount to us.

Following assessment of footage by the Department of Justice, it was confirmed we were following proper procedure and it was referred by the Secretary of DHHS to the Commissioner of Tasmania Police on August 17, who has confirmed it is investigating whether criminal charges should be brought.

A comprehensive report by the DHHS into the July 14 and 15 incidents at Ashley received today, has found the matter is of such gravity that a formal State Service investigation into a staff member will commence following the finalisation of the police investigation.

This investigation, under Employment Direction No. 5, is in relation to a possible breach of the State Service Code of Conduct, and relates to allegations of breaches of operating procedures in the restraint of a young person.

The report finds the actions of only one staff member requires further investigation.

In addition, the report and all supporting materials, including footage, will be referred to the Ombudsman for investigation.

The Ombudsman has agreed to consider a review –

• The extent to which the DHHS response to this incident is appropriate and comprehensive; and
• The extent to which the current actions and reform agenda by the DHHS with regard to the AYDC are appropriate and are sufficiently comprehensive to improve services at AYDC and avoid further incidents of this nature.

The Ombudsman is set to become Tasmania’s first Custodial Inspector of prisons and youth detention facilities under legislation being currently debated in Parliament.
It is important to note the Government has already embarked on a comprehensive change management process at Ashley, including staffing and leadership structures, staff capability, safety, risk management, training requirements, trauma-informed care models and culture.

To assist that process, the Government is allocating $300,000 to appoint a Senior Change Manager to assist both staff and residents through the process.
This will also include substantial training for staff.

A separate WorkSafe investigation into the incidents on July 14 and 15 is also underway, and a corrective action plan was developed as part of this process, which identifies immediate actions such as upgrades to security locks and windows.

The government cannot release the report in its entirety as it contains material evidence.

To release either the report or the footage would compromise due process and procedural fairness for the individuals, and may breach specific provisions of the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act, in identifying a young person, as well as possibly jeopardising the police investigation.

We thank the Secretary for a comprehensive and robust response, and staff at Ashley who work in very difficult circumstances each day.
Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Human Services