The Rockliff Liberal Government is building Tasmania’s future with key investments in our Corrections system that will create a strong, secure and safe community.
Attorney-General and Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Elise Archer announced a trial of a new flexible staffing strategy at the Risdon Prison Complex, as part of our ongoing commitment to reduce lockdowns.
“While lockdowns are an essential operational tool utilised to ensure a safe and secure correctional environment for inmates, staff and visitors, we are doing all we can to reduce their likelihood,” the Attorney-General said.
“The new flexible staffing strategy will be piloted over the next four weeks and aims to reduce the number of days where lockdowns occur and allow for increased out of cell hours for inmates.
“This strategy prioritises the continued delivery of core services such as rehabilitation, intervention and education programs, if any lockdown is required.”
“Importantly, this new model will reduce the need for overtime, and will not negatively impact on our Correctional Officers and therapeutic staff undertaking their work in a safe manner.
“Our Government is also continuing to address the issue of lockdowns when they are due to staffing issues, through significant Correctional Officer recruitment.”
“This will add to our significant efforts to boost Correctional Officer numbers in recent years, with 308 new recruits being employed within the TPS since 2016, and we are continuing our intensive recruitment campaign to attract Correctional staff to this challenging but rewarding role.
“I am immensely proud of our Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) staff and the important work they do to address the challenges in our Corrections system, and I am pleased that the Budget continues our strong track record of investment into our Corrections system that will further reduce recidivism rates and keep our communities and staff safe.”
“While we cannot control the number of offenders being sentenced to a term of imprisonment, this strategy will help reduce the need for lockdowns so that, where possible, lockdowns become a rare occurrence.
Following the trial period, the strategy will be reviewed based on the outcomes and findings, as well as feedback from Correctional Officers.