The Tasmanian Government is committed to implementing measures that will ensure the appropriate treatment of children and young people in the custodial process.
I am pleased to announce that draft legislation designed to protect young people in custody has been released for public comment.
The Youth Justice Amendment (Searches in Custody) Bill 2020 is part of the Government’s response to the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s memorandum of advice to the Government in relation to the searches of children and young people in custody in custodial facilities.
The draft Bill provides a consolidated and consistent power to search a youth in custody in custodial facilities, or in transit between facilities, when there are reasonable grounds that the search is necessary, and for a legitimate purpose.
The amendments are intended to minimise any associated trauma, distress or harm in relation to searches conducted of youth in custodial facilities in Tasmania.
The Bill can be viewed on the Department of Justice website and submissions can be made until close of business on 27 October 2020.