Page 5987 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 8 December 2010

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In relation to paragraph (2) of Mrs Dunne’s motion, the impact of unsafe or threatening workplaces is a costly and long-lasting legacy for the workers impacted and also for the general community. WorkCover reports that unsafe workplaces cost more in the long run, as they lead to higher compensation payouts and falling morale. We cannot underestimate the impact this has on individual workers and their lives in general, and our work environments make up a large part of our lives. We need to ensure that optimal safety is achieved for all employees. Of course, we need to also ensure optimal safety for young people accessing youth justice services.

I move the amendments circulated in my name:

(1) Insert new paragraph (1)(d):

“(d) generally poor outcomes for children and young people in contact with the youth justice system;”.

(2) Omit paragraph (3), substitute:

“(3) calls on the Minister to direct the Children and Young People’s Commissioner to undertake an inquiry into the youth justice system in the ACT, including Bimberi Youth Justice Centre and Community Youth Justice, and report to the Assembly by 30 June 2011. The inquiry is to report on:

(a) staff levels, training and retention;

(b) security;

(d) programs for education and training, health and wellbeing and rehabilitation;

(e) early intervention services;

(f) the effectiveness of diversionary strategies and the ongoing monitoring of recidivism particularly for detainees held in remand;

(g) throughcare and aftercare services provided to detainees and Community Youth Justice clients; and

(h) any other matter; and

(4) calls on the Minister to direct the Human Rights Commissioner to undertake a comprehensive human rights audit into conditions of detention in Bimberi Youth Justice Centre and report to the Assembly by 30 June 2011.”.

I am putting forward these amendments to broaden the original motion and to ensure that we can get a clear picture of how young people fare in the youth justice system in the ACT. I have broadened it so that it is not just about the Bimberi centre itself; it is

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