Page 2617 - Week 08 - Thursday, 14 August 2014
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jurisdictions overseas, and it is one that is not about condoning drug taking but about operating in the real world, in which, unfortunately, people do take drugs. Through that drug-taking behaviour, we see the transmission of bloodborne viruses. The purpose of an initiative such as this is to minimise the transition of those bloodborne viruses.
There is a range of ways to do that; this is one of what must be a suite of responses. But I believe it is a sensible and prudent measure to take. That is why I continue to work with staff from Corrective Services across the board, to work on the details of a model that we can effectively implement at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. This is far from failing in our duty of care to staff; this is actually about seeking to minimise the transmission of bloodborne viruses, to ensure the maximum level of health and safety at the AMC and to be a responsible government in taking this prudent public health initiative.
So I reject the insinuations about the government’s motivations for this. This is all about taking a public health response to what is a real-world problem that is faced in all jails, both in this country and around the world. The government will continue to work with all stakeholders to find a way to make this project work—a way that addresses safety and the concerns raised by staff and that addresses the most practical way to ensure that detainees can access syringes in a way that is healthy.
I was surprised that for someone who aspires to be the corrections minister, the alternative corrections minister, Mr Wall did not make any mention of through-care, justice reform or justice reinvestment in his remarks. These are the sorts of things that any person with an interest in the corrections portfolio should be focused on and should be reflecting on. And because they are funded in the budget, they warrant discussion in this place.
Mr Coe interjecting—
MR RATTENBURY: Here he goes, Mr Coe, interjecting, like he always does. He cannot wait for his turn to speak. When we get to TAMS—we will get to TAMS—Mr Coe, I will be happy to answer any questions you have in that space. But I think—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR RATTENBURY: Yes, because the Liberal Party, of course, never makes personal comments in this space.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Dr Bourke): Mr Coe and Mr Rattenbury, this is not the place for a discussion.
MR RATTENBURY: I note the story on the front page of today’s paper, and I think yesterday’s conduct in this place was deeply regrettable. I note, however, that earlier this week Mr Hanson, across this chamber, called me a coward. He sought to get away with it by not having it recorded on the transcript. The Liberal Party come to this place and go, “Oh, you’re making personal comments about my colleagues,” when actually I am talking about policy matters in this place. The Liberal Party have no qualms resorting to name calling.
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