Page 5683 - Week 13 - Thursday, 18 November 2010

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MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary question?

MS BRESNAN: Does the crisis support unit engage in the seclusion of mental health patients, and does Corrections aim to minimise this, just like the PSU?

MR CORBELL: The management of the crisis support unit has regard to the individual circumstances of each prisoner, their health status and any other relevant factors. Again, in relation to the particulars that Ms Bresnan asks about, I will need to take that question on notice.

MS HUNTER: A supplementary.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Hunter.

MS HUNTER: Attorney-General, given the crisis support unit is there to cater for those people who need monitoring to prevent against serious self-harm, why is the unit run by Corrective Services rather than Mental Health ACT?

MR CORBELL: The crisis support unit does not just perform that function. It performs a range of other functions where prisoners are required to be separated from the rest of the prison population, and that is something that ACT Corrective Services has responsibility for. Corrections Health is only responsible for the operation of the Hume health centre.

MS LE COUTEUR: A supplementary, Mr Speaker?

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Le Couteur.

MS LE COUTEUR: Attorney-General, does the ACT government acknowledge that spending long periods within the crisis support unit can further damage a person’s mental health and, if so, what is the government doing to respond to this prior to a new secure mental health facility being built?

MR CORBELL: The crisis support unit is there for prisoners’ own protection. Prisoners are only placed in it for their own protection. The particular circumstances and reasons for that will vary from prisoner to prisoner. I am happy to provide further details to the member but I will need to take that particular element of the question on notice because it relates to specific circumstances of individual prisoners.

Gungahlin Drive extension—bridge demolition

MR DOSZPOT: My question is to the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Mr Stanhope. On Tuesday this week, the Canberra Times reported that a “thorough investigation” will be undertaken into the alleged security breach that occurred—

MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, one moment. Chief Minister, you are being asked a question.

Mr Stanhope: I beg your pardon, Mr Speaker.


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