Ashley detainees strip- searched
MORE than 220 partial strip searches were performed on detainees at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre during 2019- 20, a parliamentary budget estimates hearing has been told.
Labor MP Alison Standen asked Human Services Minister Roger Jaensch to outline how many strip searches had been undertaken.
Mr Jaensch said 223 searches ( about four a week) were done in the past financial year — 202 of males and 21 of females.
The minister said among items found during the searches were “green leafy material”, tobacco, matches, lighters, zip ties, rocks, wire, cigarettes and a knife.
Mr Jaensch said searches were done to ensure the safety of young people and staff at Ashley, but were only done on “reasonable grounds”.
He said in September last year, a new personal search procedure was implemented at the centre to “minimise potential distress”.
He said full- body strip searches were not undertaken at Ashley and when removal of clothing was required, detainees remained partially clothed.
“We always aim to balance the dignity and rights and the safety of the young person, balanced with the safety of others,’’ he said.
The hearing was also told there were 67.91 full- time equivalent positions at Ashley, including 37.86 permanent youth workers.
Also at the hearing, under questioning from Ms Standen and Greens leader Cassy O’Connor, Mr Jaensch said he first became aware of allegations against pedophile nurse James Griffin when they were raised in the media.
Griffin’s link to Ashley Youth Detention Centre, a facility which comes under Mr Jaensch’s portfolio, was made known to him in September this year following media inquiries to the government, Mr Jaensch said.
Mr Jaensch faced intense questioning over the government’s response to abuse allegations at Ashley, and the timing of the actions taken.