Page 1533 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 4 May 2016
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be asked: why are we not seeing any difference in the way that the prison is being managed or the outcomes that are being achieved?
The substantive part of my motion calls on the ACT government to report to the ACT Assembly on the findings of any investigation into the rise of numbers of Indigenous detainees at the AMC as well as calling once again for a commitment to implementing a thorough review of management and security practices at the AMC with an objective of reducing the total cost per prisoner and subsequent impost on ACT taxpayers but, most of all, improving the outcomes for the prisoners and their families.
We need to see where the money is going and how we can make the outcomes for all involved better. How can we ensure our security practices are consistent and effective? Where are improvements needed? Is the administration of the jail running an effective and efficient operation? What are the impediments stopping the ACT from being a benchmark for the nation? All of these questions need to be asked and answered. If only those opposite in the government were willing to ask them. Instead of being the worst in the nation, maybe some investigation, analysis, reflection and change would result in some consistency of practices out there and the ACT becoming the best in performance statistics that are released when it comes to corrective services.
I would like to stress that this is not a reflection on the staff as individuals but a reflection on the overall broader policies and procedures that are in operation at the jail. I believe firmly, from the discussions, the talks and the visits I have had at the prison, that the staff involved in the system are doing the best they can within the parameters under which they operate. The significant failings, I believe, stem from higher up in the ranks. Those at the coal face are doing the best they can with the tools they are equipped with.
The Canberra Liberals will ask the questions that need to be asked as to how the corrective services system is being run to make sure that we get the outcomes that the ACT community expects, that we receive value for money and, most importantly, that we get good outcomes for those involved in the system. All stakeholders deserve to be worked with collaboratively to achieve these outcomes and consistency.
The order of the day under the Canberra Liberal government will bring about the changes that are required. I do not believe that after 15 years of mismanagement those opposite are competent or capable of another four years.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo—Minister for Corrections, Minister for Education, Minister for Justice and Consumer Affairs and Minister for Road Safety) (5.10): I am always pleased to stand up in this place and talk about ACT Corrective Services, the operation of the jail and the impact that it has on our detainees, because it is an area that the government and I take very seriously. There are a lot of positive things happening. There are certainly some challenging elements to this portfolio as well.
The motion before us today is a hodgepodge, grab-bag smear job that does no justice to the very serious issues it is seeking to eliminate, and I will not be supporting it as it stands. I have circulated an amendment, which I now move:
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