Page 739 - Week 02 - Thursday, 16 February 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
This was the first successful escape from the AMC since it opened in 2009. Until then, the AMC had an outstanding record in security, and it was a disappointing occurrence to me and ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) staff.
Action was immediately taken by ACTCS to further secure the construction site and prevent detainee access to any material that could jeopardise the security of AMC. In addition, ACTCS took steps to appoint a corrections security specialist, Mr Ian Thomas, to bolster the management of security at the AMC and ensure all security procedures and protocols are effective and being followed appropriately by all staff. Mr Thomas has a lengthy career in corrections nationally and internationally and has significant skills and experience in corrections security and prison management.
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate (JACS) also commissioned an independent review of operational security at the AMC with a view to identifying any inadequacies or inefficiencies in ACTCS’ security measures. An expert in corrections management, Ms Marlene Morison, was appointed to undertake this internal review, which has since been completed.
Numerous factors have been identified as significantly contributing to the escape, including the security of the current construction site at the AMC, and human error. To this end, an investigation process is underway in accordance with the Corrections Officers Enterprise Agreement; one Corrections Officer has been stood down in the interim. That investigation is on-going and a matter for the Directorate.
It is my intention to release the JACS security review report in the coming months, although a date for release is yet to be identified.
Gaming—Casino Canberra
Mr Barr (in reply to a supplementary question by Mr Parton on Wednesday, 14 December 2016):
No revaluation of the casino licence was undertaken when Aquis acquired ownership of Casino Canberra, as the licence conditions remained unchanged. For the same reason, that is, the licence conditions remain as they were when Aquis acquired ownership, no work has subsequently been done to revalue the casino licence.
The current casino licence fee under section 26 of the Casino Control Act 2006 is:
(i) 2015-2019: $4,459,385.00 (lump sum paid in 2015);
(ii) 2010: $891,877.00 adjusted by movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the preceding five years; and
(iii) 2021 onwards: the preceding year’s licence fee plus CPI.
The ACT Government is continuing the assessment of the business case for the proposed redevelopment of the Casino in accordance with the Investment Proposal Guidelines for unsolicited bids from private sector proponents. The value of the Casino licence will be considered in the context of the outcomes of that assessment.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video