Page 1653 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 4 May 2010
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We ask this of the government: turn the statements of intent for a human rights compliant, rehabilitation-focused prison into action. Lead the corrections department; do not simply instruct it. Use the opportunity of the 12-month review to correct what deficiencies there have been in the implementation of the ideals of a new prison.
Mr Hanson: No-one is responsible or accountable. What did you get in the budget for this, Amanda? What little treats did you get in the budget to keep Simon Corbell in his job?
MS BRESNAN: I would like to repeat for the Hansard that Mr Hanson just said, “What little treats are the Greens getting in the budget in return for not supporting this censure?”
Mr Hanson: That’s exactly what I said.
MS BRESNAN: I just thought that, as Mr Hanson often makes such wonderful statements, it needed to be recorded for posterity in the Hansard—for all eternity.
Mr Hanson: Happy to. I’m happy to repeat it.
MS BRESNAN: The ACT Greens have a number of serious concerns that we believe need to be promptly addressed. We have been very open in our views on these concerns. We do not believe that a censure of the minister is an appropriate means of achieving better goals in the corrections department.
We have consistently demonstrated support for measures which provide constructive opportunities for improvement of oversight and operations at the AMC. It should be especially noted that in this and other motions the opposition have not provided substantive or constructive suggestions on how the culture and operations of the AMC could be improved, which is repeated again in this censure motion. The motion today does nothing to improve the outcomes of the prison. In fact, forcing a minister to resign in the current situation would have a negative impact. We should be allowing the independent review process to proceed and for the ACT government to act accordingly on the outcomes and recommendations from the review.
It is my understanding that the Auditor-General and the human rights commissioner are satisfied with the terms of reference of the review, the reviewer who has been commissioned by the government and the process which is being undertaken. We also know that they have been in contact with community groups with an interest in the review and they are also satisfied with the terms of reference and hope to see good recommendations come out of this process.
We should be listening to people who have the greatest understanding of and interest in the operations of the prison. Continuing to use the prison as some sort of political football will do nothing to create a human rights compliant prison and assist the community at large. We are willing to work together with either party to seek constructive outcomes in corrections or any other measure that improves outcomes for the people of Canberra. This censure does not provide an avenue for constructive
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