Page 2671 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
are staff, other government agencies, non-government organisations or the community more generally.
The first Knowledge Consulting report acknowledged that the AMC has a strong basis for a culture that protects the human rights of detainees and delivers best practice rehabilitation programs. This report states that there is a shared commitment among ACT Corrective Services leadership, staff, as represented by the staff unions, independent scrutiny agencies and community agencies to the aims of the AMC and that this is a unique achievement in a corrections organisation. The legislation, policies, procedures and plans for the AMC support and facilitate the delivery of best practice corrections outcomes, aimed at achieving supported reintegration of detainees into the community, better for their correctional centre experience, and with the tools and training to assist them to maintain a law-abiding lifestyle.
The first report also found that there is a strong commitment to achieve a culture that delivers initiatives to create best practice in corrections, and commends the induction processes, the case management approach, the suite of programs available for detainees, therapeutic cottage and transitional release centre models, accommodation, equipment and staff training.
The government response reflects that areas of highest priority focus include governance, record management, arrangements in the crisis support unit, and food provided to detainees. The latter two areas are particularly important. In relation to food, in a human rights focused detention facility, it is important that we acknowledge that incarceration is penalty enough. While in custody, ACT Corrective Services aims to ensure that detainees receive a balanced diet and are provided with life skills to improve their prospects for effective rehabilitation to the community.
A review of dietary issues identified in the report has been undertaken, in consultation with detainee representatives, and changes have already been set in train. As a practical example of the government’s action in this regard, in connection with recommendations about the way food is transported to and from custodial facilities, the government’s investment as part of the 2011-12 budget will enable the purchase of a refrigerated vehicle to improve the safe transport of food between different corrections facilities.
Turning to crisis support, care for the most vulnerable, even within the custodial setting, is vital. As Knowledge Consulting identified a number of occupational health and safety concerns within the crisis support unit at the AMC, the head of corrections is moving to undertake a broad review of arrangements in that area.
In keeping with recent changes to the structuring of a single ACT public service, arrangements have already begun to ensure my directorate and the Health Directorate work collaboratively together to ensure the best practical outcomes for detainees’ health.
Turning to the issue of records management and governance, the areas of governance, record keeping and reporting are important components of the injection of $7.2 million into ACT Corrective Services that the government has provided over four years as part of the most recent budget. Having effective and efficient data collection
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video