Leaked report shows Tasmanian prison culture ‘toxic’

A leaked report reveals details of some shocking workplace culture within a Tasmanian prison.

The Risdon Prison where an inmate recently escaped. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

A MANAGEMENT strategy of harassment, bullying and intimidation was entrenched in the workplace culture of a Tasmanian prison, a leaked report has found.

A Launceston Reception Prison independent cultural review, seen by the Mercury, found many staff reported the workplace as being “very unsettling, with an autocratic leadership-style creating an atmosphere of uncertainty”.

The review by Sage Management, released internally last November but never made public, found staff at the prison generally expressed “desperation for change” to working conditions.

Despite the Department of Justice confirming to the Mercury it had implemented all recommendations of the review, the union representing prison officers said systemic issues remain inside the Tasmanian Prison Service.

“The combative, unprofessional, and at times outright dangerous behaviours of some members of senior management are contributing to the significant mental health and other workplace health and safety issues that have plagued the TPS in recent times,” United Voice Secretary Jannette Armstrong said.

Of the 31 staff at the Launceston prison at the time of the review 27 were interviewed.

All but three staff expressed they had mental health issues relating to their employment, the report showed.

United Voice Branch Secretary Jannette Armstrong. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

The Director of Prisons was not the subject of any of the allegations made in the Sage Management review.

The union representing prison officers said the Tasmanian Prison Service culture and management remained “toxic”.

Revelations of the Sage Management review follow last week’s escape from the Ron Barwick minimum security prison by Graham John Enniss.

“We have long expressed concerns about the toxic management and culture of the TPS,” Ms Armstrong said.

“At the end of the day, management don’t have the support, funding and resources they need either, and we see this issue manifesting as critical workplace health and safety problems.”

Minister for Corrections Elise Archer. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Minister for Corrections Elise Archer yesterday said the State Government was investing more in the Tasmanian Prison Service infrastructure and staff “than ever before”.

She said the Government had committed more than $350 million to fix prison infrastructure.