Minister for Corrections Mick Gentleman has welcomed the Blueprint for Change report, A new future for custodial services, which was overseen by oversight committee independent chair Christine Nixon at the Minister's request.
"Supporting the staff of the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) and Court Transport Unit (CTU) was a key priority of mine when I commenced in this portfolio. The Blueprint for Change report is an important step towards improving outcomes for custodial staff and detainees," Minister Gentleman said.
"The committee has undertaken a broad-based investigation into staffing-related matters including rosters, overtime, leave, workplace injuries, policy, training and service delivery.
"The report makes six findings and fifteen recommendations with some immediate improvement possible and other more complex solutions requiring careful sequencing over the coming years."
Minister Gentleman acknowledged that a high level of staff engagement had been undertaken during the review and said the oversight committee had gained their insights through energetic and honest staff consultation.
"I would like to thank Ms Nixon for leading this body of work and ensuring that staff and stakeholder voices were heard in a way that supports our goal of building a culture of trust," he said.
"I also want to thank our hardworking staff and look forward to working with them to improve their workplace. By supporting our corrections officers we can also enhance outcomes for detainees.
"I am pleased to accept the recommendations in principle and will work with the Commissioner and the Justice and Community Safety Directorate in addressing the issues raised. I acknowledge that this will take time and commitment, as many of the issues raised are complex and systemic. I am committed to achieving long-term and meaningful change for ACT Corrective Services," Minister Gentleman said.
Ms Nixon also welcomed the report's release and spoke highly of the expertise and commitment of ACT Corrective Services staff.
"It was my pleasure to work with the oversight committee members for the past 12 months. The level of experience and insight brought to the table from custodial officers at the AMC and CTU was crucial to this work," Ms Nixon said.
"As ACT Corrective Services enters this next phase of reform, it is well positioned to deliver a best practice correctional services model for staff and detainees."
The Blueprint for Change report, A new future for custodial services, can be viewed on the Justice and Community Safety website.
