Prison assault concern

Allegations spark review call

AN alleged serious prison assault that reportedly left an inmate in intensive care has prompted calls for a review of Tasmania’s prison system.

It is understood a young adult inmate at Risdon Prison was taken to hospital with lifethreatening injuries, including internal bleeding, after a serious assault last week.

A person close to the victim told the Mercury the man would need lifelong care after surgery determined a blood vessel to his spleen had been ruptured.

“The system has let this, and many other young people down,” the contact, who asked to remain anonymous, said.

“There is an urgent need for the Youth Justice Act to be amended to help these young people who, for many reasons, have drug and alcohol problems.”

Corrections Minister Elise Archer said the alleged assault had been referred to Tasmania Police and an internal review was being undertaken by the Tasmania Prison Service.

“The safety of staff and inmates is our No.1 priority, especially for the Tasmania Prison Service, and any assaults are completely unacceptable,” she said.

Prisoners Legal Service chair Greg Barns SC said the alleged assault was consistent with prisoner welfare concerns raised to him by an inmate’s parent. He has been critical of the institution, saying it was part of a “broken system”.

Last month, a leaked draft report from the Custodial Inspector detailed systematic dysfunction within prison management.

A Risdon Prison employee, speaking to the Mercury on the condition of anonymity, said several colleagues had sought psychological support in recent months over workplace concerns.

Community and Public Sector Union secretary Tom Lynch said there was “a very high number of prison employees on workers compensation and many suffering posttraumatic stress disorders”.

“I would argue the stress is being exacerbated in the way people are managed,” he said.

“There seems to often be a lack of understanding from management, particularly to people who need support.”

Ms Archer said 40 correctional officer recruits joined the Tasmania Prison Service in April, while a further 40 recruits were expected to start work by the end of the year.

She said correctional officer recruitment had been occurring at an increased rate under the Liberal government.