Inmate clamps facing scrutiny
TASMANIA’S justice department is remaining tight-lipped on its apparent decision to “shanghai” minimum security prisoners back into high-security lockdown, but says it will follow protocol to ensure staff and prisoner safety.
A family member of two Risdon prisoners said the men were now confined in cells housing multiple inmates and were facing up to 23-hour-perday lockdown, despite having spent up to 10 years in minimum security.
Tasmanian Prisoners Legal Service chair Greg Barns said staff and families were “angry and upset” by the “unconscionable” changes, which he said would affect about 70 inmates.
The Mercury revealed last week that Attorney-General Elise Archer intervened at the prison after last month’s jailbreak by detainee Graham Ennis. The decision means long-term prisoners incarcerated for serious crimes who’ve worked their way through the prison system into minimum security — with benefits including work placements, access to TAFE courses and rehabilitation programs — will now be barred from doing so.
It comes amid an “urgent review” of the Ron Barwick Minimum Security Prison, deemed “outdated” and “substandard” following Ennis’s escape.
A Justice Department spokesperson said claims that some prisoners were being housed in triple-accommodation in maximum security were untrue.
When queried about the potential for overcrowding and riots, the spokesperson said safety provisions were being followed.
“There are some prisoners within the maximum security facilities that are accommodated in double-occupant cells. Normal protocols are being taken in regard to the good order and safety of the Tasmania Prison Service,” the spokesperson said.
“Prisoner classifications is an operational matter and prisoners have been reviewed on an individual basis. Those prisoners who have been reclassified have received advice as to why this has occurred.”
Mr Barns said the Government was putting politics in front of staff and prisoner safety, describing the change as “political manipulation”.
“Staff and families are very angry and upset that prisoners are being stopped from continuing rehabilitation, including TAFE courses, because that is not available in maximum security,” he said.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the decision was an “over-reaction” aimed at protecting the Government from future embarrassment.
“This move undermines restorative justice. It won’t improve community safety and is clearly a kneejerk decision from the Minister in response to recent escapes,” she said.