Page 1570 - Week 04 - Thursday, 29 March 2012

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Many other issues have been addressed, including those in relation to community stakeholder engagement, lawful holding and release, parts availability for X-ray equipment, image-storing capability for X-ray scans and considering an additional microwave perimeter security capability.

I pause at this moment to note that in relation to lawful holding, the Knowledge Consulting report noted that two cases were drawn to their attention. Lest anyone should think that this was two of many instances, I wish to clarify that these are the only two instances there have ever been at the AMC. In one case one detainee was released one day early, and in one case one detainee was released one day late. Nevertheless, this is regarded as one of the most critical daily responsibilities of custodial administrators, and steps have been taken by ACT Corrective Services to ensure that this process is watertight.

I pause also to focus on the microwave perimeter security capability point. Mr Hamburger noted that in the 2010 year he reviewed there had been up to 30 to 50 nuisance alarms per day resulting from bird movements. His solution was to suggest that consideration be given to what would ultimately be a very expensive additional layer of perimeter sensors. That consideration has shown that more sensors will not stop bird movements, but in the meantime staff have become adept at ensuring that each trigger is quickly and effectively responded to without reducing their monitoring efficiency.

Finally, the vocational, education and training contract has been reviewed to ensure the best possible access to external funding, and general matters of administration have been addressed, including ensuring that staff are offered exit interviews when they leave the agency.

Whilst this summary has been a relatively brief precis of completed action items, I am confident that members will agree that even this summary represents a large volume of work and a concerted and genuine effort by the AMC task force and ACT Corrective Services to deliver good practice management in a world-class correctional facility at the AMC.

A full list of progress against every single item is detailed in the report I am tabling today. In terms of next steps, the AMC task force will continue its work in 2012 in addressing the remaining recommendations of both Knowledge Consulting reports.

In closing, I thank and congratulate the task force for their past and continuing dedicated and professional approach to meeting the challenges imposed on them, and for their thoughtful and considered input and advice throughout the course of this very important body of work. I commend to the Assembly the progress report on the Knowledge Consulting reviews of the AMC.

Mr Hanson: Madam Assistant Speaker, I ask that the minister move that the report be noted.


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