Page 607 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 9 March 2011
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Bimberi Youth Justice Centre—assaults
MRS DUNNE: My question is to the Minister for Children and Young People. Minister, I refer to the incident that occurred at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre on 5 February 2011 when an MSS security guard was assaulted, which resulted in a stay in hospital. On 17 February, in answer to a question without notice, you outlined the reviews and investigations that were on foot in relation to that incident. Minister, what is the current status of these reviews and investigations and what action has been taken in response to the reviews and the incident?
MS BURCH: My advice from the department is that one of those reports is being finalised. The department has been in receipt of one. I am yet to receive a formal, written advice on that. As I have committed to this Assembly, I will bring back what information when I can.
MRS DUNNE: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mrs, Dunne.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, have any charges been laid against detainees who were involved in the assault?
MS BURCH: Those matters have been referred to the Australian Federal Police, and those investigations are ongoing.
MR COE: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
MR COE: Minister, what procedural changes have you made to ensure that staff, particularly MSS staff, are not left in residential areas of the centre without support being present in the same area?
MS BURCH: I thank Mr Coe for the question. The policies and procedures have certainly been reinforced. The policy is that MSS staff are supervised and provided guidance on their shifts, whether they are on night shift or on day shift. I know that there are certainly some practical implications, and processes have been introduced. For example, when MSS staff come into Bimberi for a shift now they are handed a copy of policies and procedures and they actually sign off that they read and understand and understand the supervision arrangements in place.
MS HUNTER: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Hunter.
MS HUNTER: Minister, on how many shifts per week are MSS security guards being used at Bimberi currently, and are you up to full recruitment of permanent staff?
MS BURCH: Recruitment continues. As I indicated in February, there are staff
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