Page 1173 - Week 03 - Thursday, 22 March 2012

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(3) While Mr Boland identified in his reports the number of complaints which were referred to him by other organisations, he did not identify the nature of the issue in the majority of cases. I am aware that matters such as complaints regarding strip searches, segregation and investigations were referred to the Official Visitor. I understand that he dealt with these matters.

(4) While Mr Boland noted that many complaints, issues and concerns (raised by detainees) related to matters that are the subject of resource and other constraints, he did not, in any of his reports, express his concerns regarding resourcing issues at the AMC.

(5) Both Official Visitors provide a number of insights into how ACT Corrective Services have responded to complaints. Mr Boland reported that he was able to submit records of complaint made to him by detainees within a week of each visit and receive a response to his queries within a further week. He also had full access to a range of staff including the Superintendent, his deputy and other senior staff. Ms Whetnall stated in her reports that the staff at the AMC made themselves available to respond to her questions and to discuss complaints which were raised.

(6) Approximately 110 books have been provided by LexisNexis to the AMC library during 2010-11, including multiple copies of some books.

(7) In relation to the library referred to in part (6):

(a) The AMC library currently has a reported stock of approximately 3,400 books.

(b) The books held range across the following genres:

• fiction—short stories, picture books, graphic novels and readers;

• philosophy and religion;

• social sciences, law and crime;

• Indigenous studies;

• mythology;

• English and foreign language dictionaries;

• self help, nutrition, exercise and cooking;

• science, maths, physics and astronomy, animals and plants;

• arts, drawing, manga and music;

• sport;

• ancient and modern history and geography;

• Shakespeare, poetry and other literature;

• biographies; and

• Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese texts.

(c) The Official Visitor is not in a position to comment on the patronage of the library, however, statistics maintained by the librarian demonstrate that the facility remains a popular resource within the AMC with an average of 107 books borrowed every week.

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