Page 2190 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 3 August 2021
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MR GENTLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Of course, over the years we have had a number of incidents at AMC, and many of the recommendations occurring from those incidents have been about the way we operate with our staff and the opportunity to increase their training across the ACT. I can say since November 2020 significant strides have been made in increasing mandatory training compliance for custodial officers within ACT.
Mrs Jones: Point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Resume your seat, Minister.
Mrs Jones: On relevance, the minister is now going to broad-based training. But we are asking about systemic changes that were made to ensure that a release would not happen again. He has not mentioned that at all yet in his answer.
MADAM SPEAKER: I believe he is on topic, and there is no point of order. Minister, you have 30-odd seconds to continue, if you wish.
MR GENTLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am not sure about the opposition, but we certainly believe that training is an important part of how custodial officers can operate within the AMC to ensure safety for the future and that these releases do not occur. Since that date, as I mentioned, between January and April 2021, the proportion of staff who are now up to date with mandatory training has improved. Breathing apparatus training compliance has increased from 38 per cent to 47 per cent—
Mrs Jones: Point of order, Madam Speaker, on relevance, what does mandatory breathing apparatus training have to do with releasing detainees and the processes involved?
MADAM SPEAKER: The time has expired, Mrs Jones.
MR PARTON: Minister, why is the database that was being used in 2017 the same database that is being used in July 2021?
MR GENTLEMAN: As we have said, a review of this incident is being undertaken, and any identified deficits within these processes will be rectified at the earliest opportunity. So when we look at the specific issues around databases, there are specific sets of technology that are drawn up, if you like, for correctional services across Australia. This particular one is quite resource-intensive. We are reviewing it. We are looking to ensure that this does not happen again.
MR HANSON: Minister, given the review done in 2017 did not prevent mistaken early release of detainees, what reasons do Canberrans have to believe that a review of the incident in July will actually change anything?
MR GENTLEMAN: I will refer the member to my previous answer in that, of course, when there have been reviews we have instigated changes in performance and
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