Elise Archer,Minister for Corrections
It is crucial that all Tasmanians play their part in addressing the challenges faced by COVID-19 and I would like to thank all those people working to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
I would particularly like to thank all our Tasmania Prison Service staff for their dedication and commitment during this challenging time.
Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) inmates have been using their manufacturing skills and training to provide a supply of facemasks to help protect prison staff, prisoners and the wider community against COVID-19.
TPS staff identified the global shortage of face masks as an opportunity for inmates to learn new skills and meet Tasmania's needs.
The TPS Industries area sourced best-practice specifications and liaised with other prison directorates across Australia to produce a design that met Tasmanian Health Service approval.
The face masks are made from 100 per cent cotton, utilising material already available in the prison's textiles workshop.
About 1,000 of the masks have already been produced for use within the prison and its associated health services areas.
The TPS has responded quickly and creatively to the shortage and this special project aligns with the already established tailor shop offerings, designed to give prisoners new skills in sewing and manufacturing.
