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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 9 Hansard (1 September) . . Page.. 2726 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

There is a recommendation in relation to keys that has been implemented, and, in addition, the Special Needs Unit has remotely controlled doors and closed-circuit TV systems to monitor all activities in the unit. Recommendation No. 8, that single staff access to units be approved in emergency, has been implemented. Recommendation No. 9 is about room searches and reports to the manager after any incident of self-harm. That has been implemented. The recommendation about improved file keeping and tracking of clients, which is very important, has been implemented, and a new assistant manager has been appointed. The case manager has been appointed to implement case management. The recommendation in relation to management of log books and observation books has been implemented, as have the improved staff handovers and the protocol with Mental Health.

Also, in his final recommendation he recommended action against individuals. Four of the staff have left the ACT Public Service and an authorised officer was appointed to inquire into the conduct of the remaining one in the Public Service.

Mr Speaker, the young people and staff have better safety and security, and better health and education programs. These changes are indeed a credit to the management and staff, and the unions involved have already made a big difference there. The important thing for members to appreciate is that the changes in place at Quamby will continue under the new arrangements, and the programs for young offenders will remain separate from those for adult offenders. That is a concern that I think people would rightly have in terms of administrative changes, but that is something the Government is very keen to ensure continues. The outcome for young people at Quamby will be monitored to ensure that the results of the good work done over the past few years will continue under the new administrative arrangements.

The capacity to review the administrative arrangements of these outcomes remains. The arrangements will make sure that youth issues continue to receive the very specialist attention they need and deserve. A new protocol was established in recent months between Family Services and Youth Justice, and that will continue to be an important part of the new system. A new model of service that is working so well in Quamby will continue. The emphasis on effective case management and planning for young offenders will continue, as will the new mental health and the improved educational programs. So there is no question of compromising the needs of young people in the juvenile justice system.

I will table the next document which contains a reiteration of those points which were made in a joint statement by my colleague Mr Humphries and me on 6 August in relation to the Youth Justice move. The salient points there were to recognise the amount of work that had been done to improve conditions; to reiterate that close cooperation with Education and Community Services will ensure that education and training programs continue to be provided under the new arrangements; and also to ensure that those protocols continue under the new administration and that those other programs will continue.

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