Roger Jaensch,Minister for Human Services
The Tasmanian Government notes the release of the Custodial Inspector's report into Youth Custodial Services and welcomes the Inspector's comments outlining a number of positive improvements that have occurred at Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC) in recent years.
Considerable time has passed since the initial inspections detailed in the Report and in particular the Custodial Inspector notes that a new management team has been put in place, with notable improvement across centre standards.
Staff morale, which was a concern at the time of the inspection, has also been highlighted by the Inspector as having undergone substantial improvement, leading to better outcomes for young people.
The most recent Productivity Commission Report on Government Services also highlights improvements in areas identified in the Custodial Inspector's Report, including 100% completion of case plans within 6 weeks of custodial sentences commencing.
On behalf of the Government, I congratulate the Department of Communities Tasmania and the staff and management of AYDC for the improvements they have achieved and the challenging and important work they do every day to provide a safe, therapeutic environment for the young people in their care.
It is disappointing that the Greens have seen fit to ignore the positive comments of the Custodial Inspector made today following the tabling of the Report and instead focus on criticising a historical version of AYDC that no longer exists.
We are confident these improvements will continue as we progress our $7.3 million redevelopment to both the physical infrastructure and the models of care that will ensure AYDC is fit for purpose and part of a contemporary, state-wide therapeutic youth justice system.
