Call for public servants’ view on prison reform

A Tasmanian inquiry into adult imprisonment and youth detention should be able to hear from public servants without fear of retribution, a prisoners’ advocate says. DETAILS >

Picture: Zak Simmonds

A Tasmanian inquiry into adult imprisonment and youth detention should be able to hear from public servants without fear of retribution, a prisoners’ advocate says.

A Legislative Council committee has extended the deadline for submissions to the inquiry until April 14.

Greg Barns SC, the chair of the Prisoners’ Legal Service, says he is concerned public servants cannot make submissions and the Department of Justice will “white wash their failures”.

“The Legislative Council inquiry represents the most important chance for the truth to be told about detention and imprisonment in Tasmania,” Mr Barns said.

“It also presents the unrivalled opportunity to think about major sentencing reform.

Risdon Prison. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“We are concerned that the government is stifling voices that must be heard (including) those in the Department of Justice who work at the coal face. Those individuals who understand what works and what needs to change.

“They must be allowed to speak and without fear of retribution.

“We do not want submissions from the Attorney-General and Department that are simply white washing their failures,” he said.

Committee chair and member for McIntyre Tania Rattray said public servants could make anonymous and confidential submissions.

Barrister Greg Barns SC. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We will always consider these submissions and use them for our own background but they can’t be referenced or used in our final report,” she said.

“The public service act is quite clear about public servants speaking publicly but it is important they be allowed to come forward. They might not be making a negative comment, they might offer a solution to a problem.

“They’re the people working on the ground in the prison and youth justice.

“Why wouldn’t you want their input?”

Tania Rattray.

Ms Rattray said the inquiry was established late last year and already had received 47 submissions.

She said it was hoped public hearings would be held in May.

“It is such an important area to be inquiring into in terms of recidivism, the closure of the Ashley Detention Centre and the northern prison,” Ms Rattray said.

“We may even look at the closure of the Hayes Prison Farm.”

The six-member committee will look at a range of issues relating to Tasmania’s corrections services and youth justice system.

It will consider the factors influencing the increases in Tasmania’s prisoner population, the associated costs and strategies to address recidivism.

The services available to people leaving prison, including health, housing and legal services, is also included in the inquiry’s five terms of reference.

Reducing absenteeism and training and support initiatives for corrective service staff also will be considered.