Elise Archer,Attorney-General
Minister for Corrections
The safety, security, and health and wellbeing of Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) staff, inmates, and visitors is a top priority for our Government.
That is why, in conjunction with corrective services across Australia, the Tasmanian Government has been continually reviewing measures to prevent and manage the COVID-19 risk in prison facilities.
State and territory leaders have agreed that from 20 March 2020 each state and territory's adult correctional system will restructure personal prison visits to help manage the risk.
The Tasmanian Government has determined it is appropriate to temporarily suspend all personal visits across the Tasmania Prison Service, commencing this weekend.
Notably, there is no known current case of COVID-19 in TPS facilities.
This decision has not been taken lightly and the Government recognises the importance of family and community connections in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
That is why the TPS will increase telephone access for prisoners where possible and appropriate, and put extra resources into alternative communication measures, such as video calls, to ensure that prisoners can continue to connect with their families and friends.
Importantly, essential professional visits such as legal practitioners on official business will continue at this time. All such visitors will be required to follow the self-assessment and hygiene guidelines in line with public health advice and, given the need for increased cleaning of the visiting spaces, availability will need to be controlled.
Programs, work and rehabilitation in the prisons will continue and my Department will continue to follow the public health hygiene guidelines for these activities.
Personal visits will recommence as soon as practicable and safe, and the TPS will continue to follow the advice of Public Health in this regard.
