Media release – Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, 26 September 2024

New Electronic Monitoring Device to detect alcohol levels

The Tasmanian Government is committed to keeping communities safe, and has taken action to expand electronic monitoring to detect alcohol consumption.

Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Madeleine Ogilvie, said that these electronic monitoring devices are being implemented to support the effective oversight of parole order conditions.

“Similar to the standard monitoring device, the Alco Tag is an electronic monitoring device fitted to an offender’s ankle,” Minister Ogilvie said.

“In addition to standard GPS monitoring features, this new technology samples the wearer’s sweat through skin contact, testing for the presence of metabolised alcohol in their bodily fluids.

“This technology means the Parole Board can move forward with increased confidence about the ability to monitor compliance with parole conditions.

“This is all about increasing community safety and ensuring offenders are complying with the conditions of their parole order, such as curfews, abstaining from alcohol and other harmful substances.

“Alcohol monitoring devices like this have been used successfully in other jurisdictions across Australia and globally to support safer community outcomes.

“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we’re working hard to make our communities safer through leading initiatives just like this.”

Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, 26 September 2024

New Bill to crack down on hooning and knife crime

The Tasmanian Government is slamming the brakes on hooning, road rage and vehicle theft to make our communities and roads safer, with public consultation now open on the Police Offences Amendment Bill 2024.

The amendments will target unsafe driving behaviour, ensuring that there are significant consequences for those who put people and property in danger.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said everyday Tasmanians that do the right thing can have their lives changed in an instant by reckless drivers or an act of violence.

“This Bill is the first step in saving lives and protecting the community from those that feel they’re above the law,” Minister Ellis said.

“The community expect action on knife crime, and this Bill will deliver greater penalties for offenders carrying weapons in public and stronger police search powers.

“This measure will improve community safety by helping get knives off our streets and will also protect our police officers.

“We are committed to throwing the book at those who selfishly put themselves and others in danger.

“A key part of our 2030 Stronger Plan for Tasmania’s Future is to crack down on crime and introduce stronger penalties for hooning, road rage and vehicle theft.

“This includes increasing the duration that a vehicle is clamped or confiscated, and for repeat offenders, their vehicle will be forfeited to the Crown or crushed.

Among other amendments, this Bill will increase the maximum penalty for trespassing with a firearm, common assault, injuring property or an animal and other hooning offences, and streamline some court processes for our police prosecutors.

To make a submission on the Bill, or for more information, go to: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/consultation/consultation-on-the-police-offences-amendment-bill-2024/.