Push for early release of elderly and non-violent prisoners to avoid coronavirus outbreak at Risdon Prison

Calls have been made for Tasmania to mirror legislation introduced in NSW that could allow the early release of non-violent, elderly or vulnerable prisoners.

THE Attorney-General has not ruled out releasing non-violent and vulnerable inmates into the community or home detention ahead of a potential COVID-19 breakout at Risdon Prison.

Greg Barns, the Tasmanian Prisoners Legal Service chair, urged Elise Archer to “mirror” a bill introduced in NSW Parliament on Tuesday calling for early parole or home detention for elderly prisoners and those with medical conditions.

If introduced, Tasmania’s Director of Corrective Services could be given new powers to circumvent the bail system and avoid the courts becoming clogged in the process.

“We don’t take issue that some categories are not applicable – like those convicted of murder and serious sex offenders. We’re looking here at non-violent offenders who have committed non-violent offences and elderly prisoners,” Mr Barns said.

“If a prisoner is serving a minimum term of 12 months and they had done eight months and they were at risk of COVID-19, there should be capacity for early release.”

Ms Archer has not ruled out the idea.

“The Tasmanian Government, along with the Tasmania Prison Service, are currently considering a range of measures to best deal with the coronavirus pandemic and its potential impacts on the state’s prison system,” she said.

Attorney-general Elise Archer has not ruled out an early release of prisoners to avoid a coronavirus outbreak at Risdon Prison. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Labor corrections spokeswoman Ella Haddad said history showed that prisons were often “epicentres” for infectious diseases, which was of particular concern to Risdon Prison, which was already operating at or near capacity.

“This will make containing a spread of the virus within the prison population – both inmates and staff – highly difficult,” she said.

“Inmates who are unwell or who have underlying health issues should be assessed for their suitability to be released, provided they have secure accommodation to go to and do not present a risk to the community.”

Labor corrections spokeswoman Ella Haddad has backed calls to release vulnerable, non-violent inmates on early parole ahead of a potential COVID-19 outbreak at Risdon Prison.

Australian Lawyers Alliance national president Andrew Christopoulos said the proposed NSW legislation should be introduced in all states and territories as “a matter of urgency” to avoid a potential “human rights disaster for Australia”.

“In prisons, hand sanitiser is not allowed and it is impossible to maintain any distance from others, particularly at meal times,” he said.

“Many people in prison are disadvantaged, with limited education, mental illness and impoverished backgrounds, and we know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are over-represented in prison. To keep these vulnerable people locked up and at risk at this time is unnecessarily harsh.”