Government seeks feedback into transition plan for youth justice is live as Ashley’s end looms

A transition plan has been developed to guide a new youth justice focus in Tasmania and the government wants to hear from young people, workers and the broader community. LATEST >>

A TRANSITION plan has been established to guide the direction of Tasmania’s youth justice system as the closure of the controversial Ashley Youth Detention Centre looms.

The government announced earlier this year it would close Ashley and replace it with two smaller youth justice facilities to operate on a therapeutic model of care.

On Thursday, Youth and Children Minister Sarah Courtney said that under the transition plan a Youth Justice Blueprint would be developed to set the strategic direction for the whole system over the next decade.

A process for developing and supporting the workforce in the youth justice system including current staff at Ashley will also be established and two new custodial facilities will be built - one in the north and one in the south.

Ashley Youth Detention Centre near Westbury in northern Tasmania.

“To progress the transition plan we are standing up a Youth Justice Reform Steering Committee with an independent chair as well as a project team, with the recruitment underway,” Ms Courtney said.

“Today, I am also releasing a discussion paper for consultation that will inform the development of our Youth Justice Blueprint, with stakeholders encouraged to provide feedback on the reform of our system.

“Specifically we want to hear about how we can build a new approach to youth justice that intervenes early to address the complex factors that lead to youth crime; emphasises early intervention and diversion strategies; and responds to young people who come in conflict with the law.

“There is no doubt that there are many challenges in youth justice which go back decades, but the government is committed to reform and won’t shy away from the change that is needed.

“We want the voices of young people to be clearly heard as we develop our new approach, and we will seek the views of staff currently working in the sector, particularly those working at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.”

Minister Sarah Courtney. Announcement by the Premier Peter Gutwein and Minister for Children and Youth Sarah Courtney that Ashley Youth Detention Centre will be closed. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Blueprint discussion paper will be open for consultation on the Communities Tasmania website until February 28.

Also on Thursday, Custodial Inspector Richard Connock said an unannounced inspection against food and nutrition standards at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre had found, that in the most part, the meal provided were of sufficient quality and met overall nutritional needs.

“There has been a strong and noticeable commitment by AYDC management to lift and improve the provision of food and nutrition for residents and for that they should be commended,” he said.

“Meals provided at AYDC are of good nutritional value and the menu planning aligns with dietary guidelines for younger people as well as accommodating varied dietary needs, allergies and intolerances,” he said.