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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 9 Hansard (1 September) . . Page.. 2727 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Those statements were made by Mr Humphries and me to reiterate that there is a real separation in terms of the needs of youth in detention from adults in detention. That is something that the Government recognises. That also is something that would be of concern to anyone dealing with this sector and something that would be of concern to the courts.

That being said, what has occurred is just an administrative arrangement, a more efficient process, and I think one does need to look at some of the reasons behind that. The coroner is a very learned magistrate who has been on the bench for some time and he has extensive experience in these matters. Prior to his appointment to the bench he regularly appeared in the Children's Court as well. I remember that from my time in the courts. He has made important recommendations. Yes, there might be a bit of qualification on them, but he has indicated the direction he thinks is sensible.

When one looks at the ACT and the size of the ACT, and also at what has happened in terms of justice issues in the last few years, with the advent of the ACT getting its own prison, there is eminent sense in terms of administrative arrangements such as these, provided the distinction between adult prisoners and juveniles is recognised and maintained. That is something that the Government has indicated quite clearly it will do. At this stage, Mr Speaker, I will table the joint press release by Mr Humphries and me dated 6 August 1999.

The ACT has an adult remand centre, a juvenile remand centre and a juvenile correctional centre in Quamby, and will very soon have its own prison. In the Northern Territory, another small jurisdiction, these services are linked under the one administrative arrangement, as is the case in Western Australia. Western Australia and the Northern Territory are both relatively small jurisdictions and they are administered under the same arrangement. Today in question time I think the Chief Minister made it quite clear that Quamby will remain and continue as it is at present, and that this is an administrative arrangement.

Mr Speaker, I would also indicate that under the Self-Government Act - I think Mr Moore mentioned section 43 - the Chief Minister quite clearly has the authority to assign portfolio responsibilities and she has done so. I think we would be setting a very bad precedent if that were to be compromised. That authority is not something that should be compromised. So, Mr Speaker, in terms of what has occurred, there is eminent sense behind it.

I am particularly pleased at the improvements that have occurred at Quamby. I think it is in a very good state now. It is an institution we have had for many years prior to self-government. It has changed from basically a juvenile remand centre where young people could be incarcerated for up to six months. About 10 years ago, I think, that was increased to two years, and then increased further, as is the case now.

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