Time for Ashley to be replaced

A new model, a therapeutic model, that places the welfare of young people as its highest objective must take its place, on a greenfields site, with entirely new staff, writes Political Editor David Killick.

IT is hard to keep track of the number of news stories over the years detailing serious allegations of misconduct that have emerged from the Ashley Youth Detention Centre. The centre, near Deloraine, houses a handful of young offenders at exorbitant expense to the Tasmanian taxpayer.

But by any reasonable measure, Ashley has failed abjectly and repeatedly to deliver upon its goals.

The latest story to emerge from behind the high wire fences is a further testament to a disturbing culture at Ashley. A woman employed at the centre has levelled serious complaints of sexual harassment, assault and bullying. The government’s mishandling of those complaints are a matter of public record after two days of budget estimates hearings. They underscore the urgent need for reform.

Readers will recall many other stories from Ashley in recent years. In March, this newspaper reported allegations a worker at Ashley raped a child and masturbated in front of detainees. At least three workers at the centre have been stood down over claims of criminal sexual misconduct. There are six unresolved code-of-conduct investigations under way.

Alysha after her meeting with Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein in relation to claims of sexual harassment and bullying at Ashley Youth Detention Centre. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

An inspection by the Office of the Custodial Inspector found unsustainable and unacceptable excessive overtime, staff shortages, a perception of favouritism, and nepotism by management. A litany of lawsuits for historic abuse has the potential to cost the state dearly.

These repeated failures come with more than just the human cost. The cost of running Ashley exceeds $10m a year and another $10m is being spent on upgrades. It is evident that the cost of housing a young offender, which works out to be something upwards of $4000 a day, is not money well spent.

The failures in the system were tacitly acknowledged by the government itself with its decision to send some young people offshore to the Northern Territory’s Many Colours One Direction program, again at astonishing cost. Although reversed after months of controversy, it highlighted just how hard this state struggles to find a way of setting troubled young people on the path to a happier and more productive life.

Ashley Youth Detention Centre. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

The operation of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre over many years will be part of the focus of the current commission of inquiry. But even before that inquiry hands down its findings, surely the case has been made that this institution has failed the people of Tasmania and must be replaced.

A new model, a therapeutic model, that places the welfare of young people as its highest objective must take its place, on a greenfields site, with entirely new staff. Without a fresh start, this terrible carousel of revelations will only continue, and repeat.

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