Roger Jaensch,Minister for Human Services
The Department of Communities Tasmania has commenced a formal review into an incident that occurred at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC) last night.
This is a standard practice when such incidents occur, as it is important that we understand how they occurred and what measures can be put in place to prevent them happening again.
It's important to understand that AYDC is a therapeutic facility that aims to safely and securely accommodate young offenders with a view to rehabilitation and a positive return to life within our community.
The Tasmanian Government has commenced our $7.3 million major infrastructure redesign and upgrade of the Centre to ensure its fit for purpose as part of a state-wide, contemporary, therapeutic youth justice system.
Safety and security measures related to the facilities at Ashley Youth Detention Centre are being addressed as part this extensive infrastructure upgrade.
The Department of Communities responds to all recommendations by the Custodial Inspector, including those made in the 2018 inspection report.
In response to those recommendations the Department of Communities Tasmania has taken a range of actions to ensure the ongoing security and suitability of the site as a therapeutic youth justice facility.
