I can confirm that today I have received advice of a death in custody at the Risdon Prison Complex.
First and foremost I want to extend my condolences to all affected by this tragic incident.
Counselling services are being offered and family of the deceased are being contacted to inform them.
Until family members have been contacted it would be inappropriate to release the name and details of the deceased.
Tasmania Police have been notified and have commenced an investigation into the incident.
As is standard a coronial inquest has commenced.
In addition, the Tasmania Prison Service has commenced an internal review into the latest incident.
However, I am deeply concerned that another death custody has occurred so soon after last week’s tragic incident.
Consequently, I have requested urgent advice from the Tasmania Prison Service on what immediate actions are being taken in response to this latest incident.
I will also be carefully considering any recommendations from both the internal Tasmania Prison Service review and any recommendations from the Coronial investigations into these incidents to make sure we are doing all we can to prevent deaths in custody.