Page 2607 - Week 09 - Thursday, 16 September 2021
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In terms of the COVID-19 advice provided, I understand that, between the time the Magistrates Court bailed the individual and his release from AMC, there was a positive detection of COVID-19. Pending formal health advice, ACT Corrective Services adopted a cautious practice, assuming there might be a broad impact.
However, a formal health advice later that day advised that this was not the case. The clear advice was also that the detainee was neither a close nor casual contact. I understand ACT Corrective Services arranged for a hotel for the individual and Corrections staff continued contact with the man to ensure his welfare. Staff also visited the detainee the following day to provide him with additional support, including further food and other items.
In relation to other matters relating to this matter, I have asked that these be looked into, and I am awaiting advice from officials.
MR HANSON: A supplementary, Madam Speaker. Minister, were this detainee from Jervis Bay and the detainee who tested positive for COVID-19 ever in the police watch house, the court cells, the court transport vehicle or the same building at AMC together?
MR GENTLEMAN: No.
MRS JONES: A supplementary, Madam Speaker, Minister, what arrangements were in place pre-pandemic for the transportation of detainees back to Jervis Bay following release from the AMC, and what are the current arrangements?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Mrs Jones for the question. It is an important one. It is part of the planning that ACT Corrective Services has been doing since COVID started last year in regard to transporting detainees across the ACT and, of course, interstate into other jurisdictions. I had a detailed brief from the acting commissioner yesterday. He has put in place particular transport options for detainees that may be close contacts of COVID detainees or be COVID detainees themselves. I am very pleased with the work that they have done—
Mrs Jones: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, on relevance.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mrs Jones.
Mrs Jones: The minister was asked what were the arrangements before COVID and what are the arrangements now—not that they are there: we assume they are there. On relevance, what are the exact arrangements? He was briefed on them yesterday. Can he not tell us anything about them?
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mrs Jones. The minister has a minute and a half to get to that point of the question.
MR GENTLEMAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is important that, of course, we do highlight the arrangements that are in place in a high example, if you like, because
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