Page 2118 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 8 May 2012
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MR SMYTH: Minister, can you outline the benefits of a system of randomised drug tests?
DR BOURKE: The rationale for randomised drug testing within the AMC is, as I understand it, to provide information, intelligence, to the corrections directorate about the type and quantity of drugs that may be in the prison.
MR SPEAKER: Supplementary, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, when will the trial of this new system be complete?
DR BOURKE: I thank the member for his question. When the results as required by the corrections directorate have been obtained.
MR SPEAKER: Supplementary, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, why have you decided to introduce a Canberra Liberals’ policy at the jail?
DR BOURKE: Mr Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I emphatically deny that I have introduced a Canberra Liberals’ policy.
Alexander Maconochie Centre—tattoo facility
MR HANSON: My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, the AMC review’s six-month progress report dated October 2011 states that no major or noteworthy concerns are apparent in “amber light” status recommendations. The recommendation for a tattoo facility at the jail is currently marked “amber”. The report states that amber recommendations will be implemented in the near future. Minister, why are there no major or noteworthy concerns regarding the provision of free tattoos to prisoners?
MS GALLAGHER: That is amber because it is awaiting a government policy decision. It is a decision that the government has to make at the policy level—it is not one that can be made at the operational level—and those decisions have not been taken. I would say that I have had some significant concerns raised with me around a tattooing facility. I have also had people speak with me in support of it. I think it would be difficult to operationalise a tattooing facility at the AMC—that is the information that has come to me from corrections—but the government has not finalised its blood-borne virus strategy for implementation at the jail.
MR HANSON: A supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, when do you expect to make a decision regarding the provision of free tattoos for prisoners?
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