Short-staffing hinders Risdon Prison counselling service, prisoner advocate warns

The Tasmanian Prison Service risks breaching its duty of care if prisoners are unable to access counselling and support services, a prisoner advocate has warned.

THERE are concerns inmates at Risdon Prison are not getting adequate access to counselling or support services, with claims short-staffing is preventing support workers from seeing prisoners.

Chair of the Prisoners Legal Service Greg Barns SC said he was made aware of the potential problem on Friday.

“We are concerned with reports that ex-Ashley detainees who have made claims of sexual abuse are not getting adequate access to support workers and services at Risdon Prison because of staffing issues,” Mr Barns said.

“What we’re being told is they’re being denied access because of staffing access in the prison.”

Risdon Prison. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Barns believed multiple prisoners were affected.

“Every time an appointment is cancelled, it creates stress for prisoners and it means they’re not getting the support they ought to be getting, that they would get on the outside,” he said.

“We are deeply concerned for the mental health of these young prisoners.”

Mr Barns said a large number of prisoners have been sexually abused.

“You’ve got prisoners, who are graduates of Ashleys, who require therapeutic intervention while they’re in prison,” Mr Barns said.

“There are a number of prisoners who are a part of legal action because of claims of sexual abuse at Ashleys,” Mr Barns said.

“All prisoners who have made claims of sexual abuse should have full access to support workers.”

“Given the government’s welcome commitment to the closure of Ashleys, there ought to be priority given to fixing this particular issue.”

Prisoners Legal Service chair Greg Barns.

Mr Barns said the government needed to ensure full access to counselling and “proper” support staff.

“The Tasmanian Prison Service has a duty of care to prisoners to ensure they are not harmed,” Mr Barns said.

“If there are staffing issues preventing counsellors getting into the prisons, we say that’s a breach of duty of care and it needs to be fixed.

“There need to be arrangements made so staffing and logistical issues are fixed so prisoners’ appointments with these workers are not cancelled.”

A Department of Justice spokesperson said support was being provided.

“Any prisoner in crisis due to poor mental health will always be seen by a member of the Therapeutic Services Unit as a matter of priority, regardless of staffing arrangements,” they said.

“Further, health appointments are prioritised and generally facilitated regardless of whether a facility is locked down or not.

“The Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) has continued to deliver counselling on site.”

Originally published as Short-staffing hinders Risdon Prison counselling service, prisoner advocate warns