As Minister for Corrections I am extremely concerned at the two recent deaths in custody which have occurred.
The Government has been conscious of the need to provide information to the public about the incidents and the immediate response. However, we have of course had to be very mindful to ensure public discussion will not be unduly traumatic for affected families, prejudice the Tasmania Police or Coronial investigations, or provide information which could lead to similar incidents in the future.
It will be a matter for the Coroner to determine the cause of the deaths, however I am advised that it appears both men died by suicide.
As has already being reported the incident of 22 June occurred during transit from the Launceston remand centre to the Risdon Prison Complex.
The incident of 29 June occurred in a medium security cell in the Risdon Prison Complex. Both the incidents of 22 and 29 June involved persons that had been remanded into custody.
While there are procedures in place to assess and manage risks associated with prisoners on remand, these will be carefully examined as part of the review process to identify any further action that needs to be taken.
The Tasmania Prison Service is conducting an internal investigation into both incidents, but has already taken a number of immediate steps, including:
I have made clear to the Department that the safety of inmates and prevention of any similar incident is of the absolute highest priority.
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.
http://www.mindframe-media.info/for-media/reporting-suicide