Stab- proof vest pleas fall on deaf ears
THE State Government has been slammed for ignoring requests for staff at the Townsville Correctional Centre to be given “stab- proof vests” as a safety precaution.
Police and Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said staff were provided with “loadbearing vests” but did not address the specific question on notice from Burdekin MP Dale Last about a “stab- proof” type.
Mr Last said the reply proved Mr Ryan “didn’t understand” the challenges prison staff faced.
“The staff aren’t asking for vests to carry equipment; they are asking for vests that could save their lives,” he said.
“Minister Ryan says the Government wants to ensure staff have what they need to keep communities safe but what about the safety of the staff themselves?”
Together Union representatives had called for stab- proof vests and tear gas to be issued to staff following an attack on a guard at the Townsville prison earlier this year. Mr Last said the stab- proof vests were already used interstate.
“Myself and LNP members are the only ones asking questions about assaults on prison staff and making them safe because, unlike the minister, we value what they do to keep the community safe,” he said.
Mr Last said he hoped the Government’s decision not to introduce the stab- proof vests wasn’t based on budget.
“I certainly hope that the minister has given it proper consideration,” he said.
“If these vests are being used in other jurisdictions and we’re choosing not to, the minister would want to have a good reason for not doing so and I hope it’s not a budget reason.”
In his response to Mr Last’s questions, Mr Ryan said the Government had “zero tolerance” for violence in Queensland’s correctional facilities.
“This Government will continue to support Queensland Corrective Services in its commitment to ensure staff have the equipment, support and resources they need to keep communities safe,” he said.
Mr Ryan said QCS was providing a “number of load- bearing vests” to help them carry their gear while on duty.