Page 2714 - Week 09 - Thursday, 16 September 2021
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weapons) of AMC areas, cells and detainees and (d) routine searches of AMC areas, cells and detainees.
Mr Gentleman: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
Depending on the risk assessment, including input from available intelligence, Correctional Officers may be provided with a range of Personal Protective Equipment including slash proof vests and batons for targeted searches of Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) areas, cells and detainees.
Alexander Maconochie Centre—service providers
(Question No 400)
Mrs Kikkert asked the Minister for Corrections, upon notice, on 6 August 2021:
Did the Minister advise in an answer to estimates question No. 111 (Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety) that Telstra is the service provider for phones at the AMC and that a review to change the provider or reduce the cost to detainees for phone calls did not result in a change; if so, is the ACT Government considering negotiating with Telstra again to reduce or eliminate the fees detainees must pay to use the AMC phones given that they announced on 3 August 2021 that all payphones around Australia will be free; if so, when will the Government begin negotiations; if not, why not.
Mr Gentleman: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
Yes, Telstra is the current service provider for phones at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC), with rates set under a standard agreement with the ACT Government. The review identified that it is not feasible to negotiate call rates under the agreement. The review also identified that it is not possible to change service providers at this time, due to current telecommunications infrastructure limitations.
ACTCS has commenced a process regarding the upgrade of infrastructure related to the Detainee Telephone System, while also providing detainees with alternative means of contacting family and support persons (e.g. supporting video calls etc).
While the cost of calls has not reduced, as noted in the response to Question on Notice 111, detainees have been provided with an additional $20 per week in phone credit since April 2020.
ACT Corrective Services—induction officers
(Question No 401)
Mrs Kikkert asked the Minister for Corrections, upon notice, on 6 August 2021:
(1) Do induction officers receive any specific training for their role and are there any minimum qualifications or certificates required to be an induction officer.
(2) How many induction officers are employed at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) and how many positions are funded.
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