State Government investigating northern prison as Risdon overcrowding increases

The State Government says it is “closely investigating” establishing a northern prison as the Tasmania Prison Service struggles with overcrowding.

The state’s prison system was operating at 94 per cent capacity last week. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

THE State Government says it is “closely investigating” establishing a northern prison as the Tasmania Prison Service struggles with overcrowding.

Figures revealed by Leader of the Government in the Upper House Leonie Hiscutt show Tasmania’s prison system was operating at 94 per cent capacity last week, with 614 prisoners in the system.

A total of 168 of those were unconvicted inmates or remandees, with 446 under sentence.

Tasmania’s overcrowded prison system was the subject of debate throughout this morning’s Legislative Council session, after independent Windermere MLC Ivan Dean moved a motion asking the Upper House to consider the prison system’s operation and management.

Mr Dean presented union figures stating that about 10 per cent of Tasmania’s 441 prison staff were off on workers compensation claims in mid-September.

“How many others would have been on sick leave, recreational leave and other leave at that time?” Mr Dean asked.

“This is not about bashing the prison service, it’s about trying to get it on the right path.

“I am of the strong belief that a second prison, possibly in north, is essential.”

Labor’s member for Rumney Sarah Lovell said Risdon Prison was at “boiling point” and the government’s “tough on crime” agenda would lead to more people being imprisoned.

“Overcrowding and pressure is putting more stress on the system than it can handle,” she said.

Ms Hiscutt said the Government had made substantial progress on addressing issues in the system, including by funding additional beds and increasing funding for the prison service.

She said an additional $4 million had been provided to fund increasing costs due to higher numbers of inmates.

Ms Hiscutt said investigations into establishing a northern prison would continue in a “deliberate and considered” fashion.

The Government is currently recruiting prison guards, with 18 corrections officers due to graduate from training in December and a second intake expected to be operational by May.

New Corrections Minister Elise Archer last week released a draft Bill proposing to remove sentence remissions, which would see new ­inmates no longer eligible for a three-month reduction in their sentences.