Two Custodial Inspector's reports, tabled in Parliament today, raise serious concerns with correctional and youth detention facilities around Tasmania.
Shadow Minister for Corrections Ella Haddad said the Hodgman Government must act immediately to prioritise community safety and the wellbeing of correctional officers and inmates.
The Inspection of Adult Custodial Services confirms there are serious problems with current facilities and staffing levels.
"The Hodgman Government's failure to properly invest in correctional officers is causing significant issues for prisoner management and staff wellbeing," Ms Haddad said.
"I regularly hear terrible stories from correctional officers and their families about the state of our prisons, and today's report confirms the Government needs to do more.
"Lockdowns, mainly due to staff-shortages, are happening too often and have a devastating impact on staff and prisoners alike.
"The Government is having more and more trouble recruiting and retaining people to work in the prison system, because of just how broken it is.
"Correctional facilities have not been quarantined from the Liberals' $450 million in cuts. I hope the report today makes Will Hodgman and Elise Archer take notice - these services can't afford any more cuts."
Shadow Minister for Child Safety Josh Willie said the Inspection of Youth Custodial Services paints a bleak picture of security at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
"This report contains serious and wide-ranging examples of flaws in the security at Ashley.
"It's important for Tasmania to have a youth justice facility that keeps both young people and the community safe – so it is vital the Government acts with urgency on the findings in the report.
"Young people and staff at Ashley deserve better from Will Hodgman and Roger Jaensch."
Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Minister for Corrections
Josh Willie MLC
Shadow Minister for Child Safety
