Page 2143 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 3 August 2021
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Corrective Services. The clear message from them to me has been one of hope. They are confident in the blueprint for change process which I set up shortly after commencing in the portfolio and have a great deal of confidence in the new commissioner.
I have heard the message of hope repeatedly, including recently at a mobile office. This morning the CPSU texted me to again indicate the confidence that their members have in me as their minister. We do need to support staff, and this work is underway. I will continue to support the commissioner in doing this.
I have also had updates on the blueprint for change process from the independent chair. She is confident and hopeful that progress is being made. As minister, I am also pleased to have been able to work with the commissioner and his team to move women detainees back to their purpose-built accommodation. This was another issued raised with me when I took over the portfolio. The message of hope from staff is also echoed by stakeholders. I acknowledge there are improvements to be made to support detainees better, and this work is also underway.
Yes, there have been incidents since last year’s election, but prisons are complex and do not come without challenge. What differentiates the AMC from others is the level of oversight that it has. As the Inspector of Correctional Services has remarked to me, the AMC has the most oversight of any prison in Australia. This is a good thing. It means that, as minister, I can obtain independent advice. I have not hesitated to do this, and I will continue to do so.
This independent oversight provides transparency in the management of the AMC. For example, reports from the inspector are tabled in this Assembly by you, Madam Speaker. We must respect the independence of these oversight bodies. It is important that we do not pressure or seek to sway their advice through public commentary as they undertake reviews.
In the case of the escape incident of 9 July, the police investigation has resulted in charges being laid and the resulting matters will be before the courts. I remind members of the sub judice conventions. I also draw the shadow attorney-general’s attention to the need to ensure that the proceedings before the courts are free and fair.
The inspector’s review will result in a government report which, as always, will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly and will be publicly available. The government response will also be publicly available because this government is committed to transparency. Given the inspector’s review and the court proceedings, I have refrained from commenting. I am extremely conscious of the power that our words in this place can have and I do not want to jeopardise our legal processes. However, I look forward to both public proceedings, which will shed light on the incident.
Unlike the opposition, I will support our corrections staff not only in words but also in action. In contrast, the shadow minister has criticised and undermined the blueprint for change process—a process that is welcomed by officers and their union. Let us stop this grandstanding and get on with updates on the pandemic, housing and homelessness.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video